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I ADOPTED BYTHE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 
JUNE \4,\777 



FLAG-MAY I, 1795 
FLAG OF )S STARS AND STRIPES 



The Flag of Our 
Country 



By 
James Rush Bronson 

First Printing December 
192 1 



31 



Copyright 1921 

by 

James Rush Bronson 

All rights reserved 



0GU853* 1 ** 



JAN iO 1922 

News Publishing Co., Sacramento, California 



I 



liiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiimiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiimiiiiit 

Neglect to observe the rules of conduct 
toward the flag of the United States proves 
one of two things — either you purposely 
disobey the wishes of your government, or 
you are woefully ignorant of patriotic 
usage. 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIl 



AMERICA, WHAT BINDS ME 
SO TO THEE? 



Is it the valorous deeds of thy heroic dead? 

Is it because I've known thee, 

Since mine eyes beheld the light? 

Is it because my baby lips, 

First lisped thy wondrous name? 

Or is it because thy crystal flood, 

Pure as the virgin snow, 

Flows ever onward to the sea? 

America, what binds me so to thee? 

Is it because thy door of hope swings wide 

To a world accursed? 

Bids the weary and oppressed 

To live in peace and plenty on thy shores? 

Is it because thy words of hope have reached 

The blood soaked soil of France 

Where loyal sons 

Upheld the honor of thy name? 

Perhaps 'tis thy valleys, 

Fringed with mighty forests tall; 

Or the thunder of the sea 

Against thy granite wall. 

Perhaps, the hidden treasures in thy breast, 

The products of thy fertile fields, 

Thy lakes, thy streams, 

Or, has the glory of thy setting sun 

Burst through the darkened chamber of my soul? 

Methinks, it is the matchless blue of heaven's dome, 

Flecked with glistening stars; 

Or the dainty kiss of twilight, 

As my weary eyes find rest. 

It is not subtle fear 

That fans the flame of mystery; 

Nor has thy boundless wealth, 

Engulfed the virtues accredited to thee. 



What power I ask, that binds me so? 

I fain would leave thee 

Yet I dare not go ; 

I vainly struggle with thy golden chain, 

But hark, 'tis the echo of a sweet refrain. 

"My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 
Of thee I sing." 

My vision clears, mine eyes behold 

The heritage of passing years; 

For there on high a banner waves, 

I see its glory through my tears. 

List' to the wondrous message sent 

To all enslaved who would be free; 

God bless each star, each stripe, each fold, 

Long wave this pledge of liberty. 

"Land where our fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrim's pride, 
From every mountain side, 
Let freedom ring." 

I know what binds me so to thee, 
Resplendent land of liberty; 
I love thy rocks and templed hills, 
I love thy vales and crystal rills, 
I love thy moon, thy sun, thy stars, 
I love thy flag of crimson bars, 
I love thee, love thee, love but thee, 
Dear land of human liberty. 



Illllllllllllllllllllllllllillllliillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllltl 

Of what value are ears if one will not 
hear, of eyes if one will not see, of mind 
if one will not reason, of knowledge if one 
refuses to use it? 

luiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini 



INTRODUCTION 



IT MUST BE apparent to every thinking 
citizen of the Republic that the use of the 
Flag of Our Country, particularly in decora- 
tions, is as varied as the imagination of the 
individual, and its abuse, through ignorance, 
as common. Habitually, we satisfy our 
patriotism by exhibiting the National ensign 
on our person or premises, and seldom if 
ever consider the question of propriety. 

We forget that England, is English; 
France, French; Spain, Spanish; Germany, 
German; Austria, Austrian; Italy, Italian; 
etc., etc. But the United States is composed 
of many races, and here assimilation must 
begin. We fail to impress ourselves, as well 
as the stranger, that here, there can be but 
one country for all; one standard of justice 
and liberty for all; one language for all; and 
one Flag for all. 

A knowledge of the birth, growth, and 
progress of this Flag will undoubtedly 
hasten the hour of National understanding. 
When once our varied population stand be- 
neath its folds a united people, subservient 
to law and order, a new civilization will have 
been born. Then, and not until then, will 



INTRODUCTION (Continued) 



political, social, commercial, and religious 
animosities be abandoned and from out the 
present welter of ignorance, disobedience, 
and selfishness, will spring the new defend- 
ers of self-government. 

To the fathers and mothers of the Re- 
public; to the girl and boy aspiring to hon- 
orable citizenship; to the assimilable 
stranger within our gates, this effort is re- 
spectfully dedicated. May it encourage a 
deeper, more profound love, not alone for 
the Flag of Our Country, but for the Gra- 
cious Master, whose watchful care has made 
possible the glorious heritage of "life, lib- 
erty, and the pursuit of happiness. " 

THE AUTHOR. 
June 14th, 1921. 



NARRATIVE I 



iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiniir«iiiii 

My friend, you are but the human thread 
in the national fabric. God has given you 
texture, color and strength. You must 
emerge from the loom the weave of your 
own making. As the shuttle of life fash- 
ions the human fabric, let the spirit of 
Love, Justice and Patriotism become the 
warp and woof of the pattern conceived. 

Disregard this, and the texture so made 
will quickly fade under the penetrating 
rays of His immutable law. 

IIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIIIIII1IIIIIII11IIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIII1IIIIIII1IIIIIIIIIII1III11III2II1IIIIII 



The Flag of Our Country 



NARRATIVE I. 

T AM BUT A CRIMSON THREAD. It is 
A therefore fortunate for these narratives 
that young though I was, I possessed an im- 
pressionable nature as well as a retentive 
memory, else how could I now recall many 
incidents in which I have been and am still 
deeply concerned? 

In scrutinizing the period preceding my 
birth, you will, in justice to me, exercise pa- 
tience for I must depend solely upon the 
statements of others, and verification so 
long delayed has been perplexing, to say 
the least. Bearing in mind this handicap, 
and with kindly consideration for my ex- 
treme youth, I am sure that you will not 
expect too much of me. 

Why a crimson thread was selected the 
hero of this narrative has never been satis- 
factorily explained, but I am free to con- 
fess, I enjoyed the delightful mystery. 
Probably it was because being crimson, I 
symbolize hardiness and valor. If this be 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

true, I am ready to frankly admit, it took 
considerable of both, particularly when all 
the facts were of such a personal character. 

Long before I became a part of the Mag 
of the United States, I was a humble 
crimson thread wound round the spindle of 
a shuttle that whizzed and whirred back and 
forth through the warp of a loom, steadily 
fabricating yard upon yard of crimson cloth. 
It is with grateful remembrance I recall the 
tender care of the weaver. While I did not 
know it at the time, I was being created for 
a special purpose. 

Little did I realize in the happy, careless 
hours of my youth, that I, a simple linen 
thread, was destined to take so important a 
part in the construction of a new govern- 
ment. Had I been capable of understanding 
this destined responsibility, I fear my youth 
and inexperience would have robbed me of 
the hardiness and valor credited to me. 

From a single thread, I gradually grew 
into a great bolt of crimson cloth. After be- 
ing removed from the loom, I was carefully 
rewound, and finally packed and shipped to 
America. Upon my arrival in Philadelphia, 
I was taken from the ship and delivered to 
the consignee, and by him placed upon a 
shelf with others of my kind. 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Of course I did not know these interesting 
facts at the time, but subsequent events 
made this information possible. One day a 
carpenter was engaged in repairing the 
shelf upon which I reposed. Unintentionally 
he weakened it, and several bolts of cloth, 
including myself and friends, fell to the floor 
w T ith a crash. After being replaced upon an- 
other, capable of sustaining our combined 
weight, I discovered, much to my delight, 
that I could see. In falling a corner of my 
paper wrapping had been torn, giving me 
opportunity for observation. 

I very naturally took advantage of this 
and soon found that I was not alone. To my 
right lay bolts of Blue and White material 
like myself. We exchanged courtesies, and 
I was extremely gratified to find my neigh- 
bor Blue a most affable companion. 

Later I addressed my attention to the bolt 
of White, and in an incredibly short time, 
we three, Bed, White, and Blue were upon 
the most intimate terms imaginable. What 
is still more remarkable, our association for 
one hundred and forty-four years, has in- 
tensified our affection, each for the other. 
It is no idle assertion, when I emphatically 
declare, there exists no power within the 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

attainment of man which could bring about 
a severance of that love. 

During one of our many delightful con- 
versations, I learned that we three, Ked, 
White and Blue, had been, without our 
knowledge, friends for many centuries. The 
ancestral meeting occurred when the Lord 
presented Moses with the "Ten Command- 
ments" together with the "Book of Laws," 
which were reverently deposited in the 
"Ark of the Covenant" protected by "ten 
curtains of fine linen, and purple, and scar- 
let, and blue." 

This, I learned, was the first authentic 
mention of myself and associates, now 
known as Red, White, and Blue. Naturally 
this information served to cement our faith 
in and respect each for the other. It is un- 
necessary to add that we felt exceedingly 
grateful to the early Jewish church for our 
introduction to the peoples of the western 
world. 

Our several conferences brought out these 
facts; my crimson sheen s t ymbolized hardi- 
ness and valor; my friend White represent- 
ed purity and innocence; Blue, typified, 
perseverance, vigilance, and justice. This 
was indeed a remarkable combination, and 



x 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

as we symbolized the principles of liberty 
and justice so necessary for the foundation 
of self-government, it will occasion little 
surprise to know that we were selected to 
play so important a part in the affairs of 
the world. 

As I recall the formative period, the 
hours were not without interest. We found 
in each other much to entertain and instruct. 
We were, I distinctly remember, greatly 
amused by the men and women moving 
to and fro about the store. We feared 
that we, like other fabrics would be pur- 
chased, torn, wrapped and carried away, 
heaven only knew by whom or whither. We 
often commented upon this possibility and 
wondered what would be our fate. 

"What," we asked ourselves, "would 
purity and innocence do without hardiness 
and valor? And on the other hand, how 
could perseverance, vigilance, and justice 
exist, if separated from hardiness and valor, 
or purity and innocence?" The loss, so far 
as we were concerned, would be incalculable. 
Our probable fate, therefore, caused us 
genuine alarm. 

One day we were startled to see a military 
gentleman enter the store, walk briskly to 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

the counter and stop directly in front of us. 
His fine face wore a look of sadness, yet a 
smile played about his firm lips and in his 
eyes glowed the fire of love and truth. He 
wore the uniform of an officer of the Con- 
tinental Army, and his name was General 
George Washington. 

"Have you received the material order- 
ed?" he asked. 

"Yes, General," replied the clerk who ad- 
vanced toward him, "and I am sure the col- 
ors will meet with your approval." With- 
out another word, we three, Red, White, and 
Blue, were taken from the shelf, stripped of 
our wrappings and placed side by side upon 
the counter. 

"You are right; they are very beautiful. 
You will see that they are delivered to this 
address immediately," and Washington 
gave the clerk a small card upon which he 
had written our destination. 

"They will be delivered within the hour," 
answered the clerk. 

"That will meet every requirement," re- 
plied Washington, who without another 
word, turned and walked rapidly from the 
store. 



NARRATIVE II. 



miiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiHHiimiiiimiimmiiiiiiiiitiiHi 

True Americanism can exist only in the 
hearts of those who understand and ap- 
preciate the Flag of Our Country. 

■ ■Klllllllllllllllllllllltlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 



NARRATIVE II. 

IT WAS NOT long before we were again 
brought together. I distinctly remember 
being placed upon a table beside my two 
companions White and Blue. There were 
several ladies in the room, and all enthusias- 
tically praised our brilliant colors. They de- 
clared us in perfect harmony. We were 
also delighted to learn that the good women 
had gathered for the purpose of making a 
flag, and we three, Red, White, and Blue 
had been selected as the most appropriate 
combination of colors for the proposed 
emblem, and if adopted, we would for all 
time represent the highest aspirations of 
the founders of a new government. 

No one seemed to have the slightest idea 
of the design contemplated, but we were 
assured that we were not to be separated. 
This decision filled us with a great joy, and 
had it been possible for three bolts of cloth 
to pray, we would have done so then and 
there, in sheer gratitude. 

The ladies awaited with bated breath the 
arrival of the committee, momentarily ex- 
pected. All were elated when informed that 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

General Washington was their chairman. 
These charming creatures could not be 
blamed for their anxiety. Had not the Con- 
tinental Congress expressed the wish to se- 
cure an appropriate emblem? And were they 
not assembled at the home of Mistress Ross 
at the behest of this body? Naturally there 
was great excitement over an event so 
momentous. 

I will never, never, forget the gracious 
praises bestowed upon us by these splendid 
women. Particularly gratifying were the 
simple yet eloquent words of Mistress 
Elizabeth Ross, to whom, more than any 
other influence, we were to be indebted for 
our re-creation. 

"Ladies," said one, whom I later recog- 
nized as Mistress Ross, "this is indeed a 
wonderful privilege. We are about to re- 
ceive a visit from General George Washing- 
ton and a committee, commissioned by the 
Continental Congress. They are to suggest 
a flag for the new Republic. After the de- 
sign has been agreed upon we are to stitch 
it together. It will then be returned to the 
committee, and by them presented to Con- 
gress for final adoption. General Washing- 
ton has, I believe, a sketch of the proposed 
insignia. 

10 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

' ' Red, ' ' continued Mistress Ross, i i typi- 
fies hardiness and valor; White, purity and 
innocence; Blue, vigilance, perseverance and 
justice. " 

"It is such a heavenly blue/' exclaimed a 
shortish lady. "And the White," added 
Mistress Ross, "as pure as virgin snow! 
Behold them, ladies, Red, White, and Blue! 
Were they not made for each other? To- 
gether, they will form a flag, for which men 
and women will gladly die. These colors are 
to be the harbingers of Liberty and Justice. 
These colors will champion the right and 
defend the weak. Such a flag will guarantee 
to all equal rights. Beneath its sacred folds 
all may openly worship God, each according 
to his will. So ladies, as it assumes form, let 
each stitch emphasize an appeal to heaven 
for the safety of every hand raised in its de- 
fense. Let our work represent the love and 
devotion of the wives, mothers, and sisters 
of men who, by their loyalty and sacrifice 
make possible a free and happy people. " 

At this moment a knock was heard, and 
Mistress Ross, amid a joyful chorus of 
"OhV and "All's" crossed the room and 
opening the door, ushered in the belated 
committee, composed of General George 
Washington, Robert Morris and Colonel 

11 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

George Ross. After an exchange of courte- 
sies, General Washington drew a paper from 
the pocket of his great coat, and presented 
to those assembled a rough sketch of the 
proposed flag. 

"You will observe/' said Washington, as 
he displayed the penciled outline, "we re- 
tain the thirteen alternate stripes of red and 
white, originally found in the flag of the 
East India Company, chartered by Queen 
Elizabeth in the year 1600. I may add that 
no less a person than Benjamin Franklin in- 
formed me; 'That it was fortunate for us 
that there was already a flag, with which 
the British Government was familiar, and 
which is not only recognized, but protected/ 

"You will undoubtedly recall the fact that 
the red and white alternate stripes of the 
East India Company's flag," continued the 
General impressively, "were selected quite 
recently for the ' Cambridge Flag/ better 
and more affectionately known as the 'Flag 
of the Union,' first raised by Captain John 
Paul Jones, December 3rd, 1775; and later 
at my headquarters at Cambridge, Massa- 
chusetts, January 2nd, 1776. 

"There are several reasons why these 
stripes should be retained, the most import- 
ant of which is, that the colonies selected 

12 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

them as favorable for combined representa- 
tion. They were placed in the ' Cambridge 
Flag' in the hope of impressing the world 
that the Federation of the Colonies was a 
deliberate action; furthermore, that the 
Colonies so united were at that time loyal 
to the Mother Country. We proved this by 
placing the crosses of St. Andrew and St. 
George in the upper left hand corner of the 
design. But we have now determined to 
obtain our independence; we will no longer 
submit to unjust taxation; we resent the 
many indignities heaped upon us by our 
royal masters and propose to repudiate the 
crosses, and in their place suggest a field of 
blue, flecked with glistening stars of white, 
emblematic of the redemption, aye, the sal- 
vation of human liberty. Ladies, we present 
for consideration, this sketch, which in- 
cludes the thirteen alternative red and 
white stripes, together with this field of 
blue, containing thirteen white stars, one for 
each colony; four in the first or top row; five 
in the second or middle row; and four in the 
third or bottom row, correctly representing 
the thirteen united colonies forming the new 
Republic.' ' 

"General," said Mistress Ross, as she in- 
tently studied Washington's design, "you 

13 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

have selected a star of six points, why not 
one of five?" 

"I am afraid, Mistress Ross," answered 
the General, "that one of five points will 
look awkward, out of proportion." 

"I assure you, General, one of five points 
will not appear ungainly or out of propor- 
tion," replied Mistress Ross, as she dexter- 
ously folded a bit of paper, and with a single 
clip of her scissors, cut a perfect five-pointed 
star. 

"Splendid, excellent," exclaimed the sur- 
prised and delighted Washington, "it is the 
very thing; look gentlemen, is it not per- 
fect?" 

So it was unanimously agreed that the 
five-pointed star should replace the one of 
six, and after the width and length of the 
red and white stripes, as well as the dimen- 
sions of the blue field, which was to contain 
the thirteen white five-pointed stars, were 
agreed upon, the committee thanked the 
gracious ladies for their interest, and de- 
parted, leaving behind them a group of 
happy women who were first to fashion and 
then sew together the emblem of a mighty 
nation. 



14 



NARRATIVE III. 



llllllllllllllllllMlllllllllEIIIIIIIIIIIllillllllllllEllllllllllllllllllllIllllIllillllll 

The welding together of all our national 
life assures unity. This is the cornerstone 
of our political liberty; it is the very es- 
sence of truth and justice; that truth and 
justice reflected in the folds of the Flag of 
the United States. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 



N 



NARRATIVE III. 

EVER was a flag born at a more oppor- 
tune moment. The gallant American 
Army was thought to be broken beyond re- 
covery. Turn to the eloquent pages of our 
country's history and let us together read 
the record of personal sacrifice made by 
courageous men and women, who suffered 
and endured, that you and I might enjoy 
the blessed privileges of American citizen- 
ship. 

The Continental forces led by the redoubt- 
able Washington were thought to be beaten. 
There remained but a handful of poorly 
disciplined, imperfectly armed men, so 
destitute of clothes, that many froze to 
death while on duty. Others stained the 
snow with the blood that freely flowed from 
their bruised and naked feet. These men, 
to obtain the liberties we enjoy today, must 
meet and conquer a well trained and superb- 
ly armed force, well fed and officered. I re- 
call the scene as if it were yesterday, when 
I was first presented to these intrepid men. 
They greeted me with great enthusiasm. 
They smiled through their tears as I floated 

17 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

before them. They came from out their rude 
shelters, proclaiming me the harbinger of 
victory. Many knelt in the snow and ice 
praying to Almighty God for the triumph 
that would assure them freedom of thought 
and action. 

I run before my horse to market; I must 
not neglect to mention a few events preced- 
ing my birth. We are so very apt to over- 
look important facts unless we continually 
hold ourselves in check. 

Immediately after the gentlemen com- 
prising the committee had departed the 
ladies began work upon the proposed flag. 
The sharp clip of a pair of scissors brought 
me to myself. I realized that Mistress Ross 
and her patriotic aids were engaged in cut- 
ting and basting together the red and white 
stripes and shaping the blue which was to 
contain the thirteen five-pointed stars of 
white. 

Never will I forget the secrecy surround- 
ing my birth. A short time preceding this 
event we were three bolts of cloth in far-off 
England. We had leaped from obscurity 
into the realm of a wonderful present and 
future. It was indeed enough to turn the 
head of a more experienced texture. 

18 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

With anxious hands, Mistress Ross and 
her associates completed their task, and as 
she held me aloft, after the last stitch had 
been taken, a beam of sunlight burst 
through the window and bathed me with a 
flood of golden light. 

"Oh, you beautiful Flag/' she exclaimed, 
"with all my soul I love you. God grant that 
you, dear Mag, will lead us to an honorable 
victory. You are to be dedicated to the 
cause of liberty, and may your influence en- 
circle the earth. Guard us, Mag, and lead 
us forever in the path of sympathy and 
service." 

It would be useless to attempt to express 
the feeling of exultation that took posses- 
sion of me. Little did I realize in this hour 
of glory that I would one day suffer many 
bitter experiences; ordeals that would crush 
and wound. It was well for me that I could 
not penetrate the future for I would have 
deemed myself unequal to the task. It is 
well that I did not forsee the suffering and 
privation that must be endured before my 
defenders would enjoy the liberty sought. 

Lost in the joy of the moment I knew 
nothing of the mighty clash of contending 
forces ; of the hunger, disease, and death. I 

19 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

knew nothing of the citizen who, under the 
cloak of patriotism, would rob, cheat, and 
even kill his fellow-man for gain. I was a 
stranger to the men who would devise 
vicious and cowardly attacks upon recog- 
nized authority. I little dreamed that dis- 
contented States would one day seek the 
destruction of the Union formed. I did not 
think it possible for justice to be mocked and 
law defied. I did not realize that hearts were 
to be broken; that the assassin would plunge 
the nation into the depths of sorrow from 
which we would emerge soaring, Phoenix- 
like, above the ashes of disloyalty, disobedi- 
ence, ignorance, superstition and greed. 

It is little wonder then that this day of 
days impressed me. We were no longer bolts 
of cloth; we had lost our original identity as 
Red, White and Blue, and had become the 
Mag of the United States. We were no 
longer separate units. We were forever 
united. We were one; joined in a common 
cause, and like the citizens of the new Re- 
public, inseparable. 

In the midst of my rejoicing, a sudden 
fear took possession of me. Suppose the 
Continental Congress, to which I was to be 
presented, should reject me. This would be 
indeed a personal calamity. Did I correctly 

20 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

represent the principles they espoused? As 
many such questions passed through my 
mind, I became exercised over their possible 
decision, and wished the matter settled 
quickly. The suspense was well-nigh un- 
bearable for I fully realized that no matter 
what might be said in my favor the final 
settlement rested entirely in the hands of 
the representatives of the people. 

All things must end, and the hour of my 
presentation to the Continental Congress 
drew near. It was a period filled with 
anxiety. I was finally placed upon a staff 
and incased in a covering of soft material. 
Soon I felt myself carried forward. There 
was a hum of voices, a sudden stillness. Be- 
fore I had time to realize what had hap- 
pened my covering was suddenly removed 
and I w T as disclosed to every eye. 

First, I was received in silence followed 
by a mighty cheer. "Hail, thrice hail, oh 
glorious Flag of liberty," shouted a portly 
gentleman as he struggled forward. 

"Long may you wave o'er land and sea, 
the emblem of justice and equality," cried 
another. 

When quiet was restored, some one sug- 
gested a re-arrangement of the stars in my 

21 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

field of blue. "It seems to me," declared the 
gentleman, "that as the stars now appear, 
in three straight rows, four on the top; five 
in the middle; and four on the bottom; they 
give no idea of the unity of our purpose. I 
therefore suggest that the stars be placed in 
an unbroken circle, signifying a unanimity 
of interest, and an indisputable union of the 
colonies." 

" A most excellent idea," replied some one. 
And so it was agreed. I was returned to the 
home of Mistress Ross; the stars altered as 
proposed, and again presented to the Conti- 
nental Congress. On the 14th day of June, 
1777, amid scenes of great rejoicing I was 
officially proclaimed the Flag of the United 
States. 

In justice to myself I should add a few 
important facts concerning my progress. 
When first ratified by Congress I had thir- 
teen white stars in an unbroken circle upon 
my field of blue, and thirteen alternate 
stripes of red and white. The admission of 
two more States, Vermont on March 4th, 
1791; and Kentucky on June 1st, 1792, 
changed this. 

It was natural that these States should 
seek recognition in the national Mag, so on 
January 13th, 1794, Congress passed an act 

22 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

authorizing that I consist of fifteen alter- 
nate stripes of red and white, and a corre- 
sponding number of stars. This abolished 
the unbroken circle and my stars appeared 
in five rows of three stars in each row. I 
then became known as the "Fort McHenry 
Flag." 

In this form I remained up to and through 
the war of 1812, and it was not until April 
14th, 1818 that I was again changed. The 
admission into the Union of Tennessee, 
June 1st, 1796; Ohio, November 29th, 1802; 
Louisiana, April 30th, 1812; Indiana, De- 
cember 11th, 1816; and Mississippi, Decem- 
ber 10th, 1817, made the alteration neces- 
sary. 

A Congressional committee, duly appoint- 
ed, suggested the addition of five stars and 
five stripes. But this was found to be im- 
practicable. It was evident that if this rule 
were continued, the result would be an 
awkward, unwieldy ensign. After a year of 
debate it was decided to reduce the num- 
ber of stripes from fifteen, to the original 
number of thirteen, and to add stars alone 
as required. This met with general ap- 
proval and I then became firmly established 
on the 14th of April, 1818. 

23 



NARRATIVE IV. 



Illlllllllllllmlllllllllllllllmlllllllllllllllllllllllmlllllllllllllllllmlllllllll 

The Flag of the United States stands 
for righteousness, and so points the ivay to 
moral leadership. Firm as a rock it stands, 
exemplifying the fundamental principles of 
self-government. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini 



NARRATIVE IV. 

I HAVE endeavored to tell you, my friend, 
in my own way, the stirring events that 
crowded my youthful years and as I have 
but recently, June 14th, 1921, celebrated 
my one hundred and forty-fourth birthday, 
I feel that it is necessary to devote a few 
moments to my several relations. 

Even a Flag should know something of its 
progenitors, and it is therefore not unnat- 
ural for me to investigate my ancestors. I 
frankly confess that before I assumed the 
task I had no idea of the number of Flags 
claiming relationship. I am further com- 
pelled to add that it has been quite em- 
barassing for me to acknowledge the slight 
relationship to some, after becoming ac- 
quainted with their past. 

In seeking a starting point, let us refer to 
the world's history, in order that the origi- 
nal Flag may be revealed. 

In a manuscript known as "The Book of 
Knowledge of all the Kingdoms, Countries, 
and Lordships, that there are in the World, 
and of the Ensigns and Arms of each Coun- 
try and Lordships, Etc., Etc.," written by 

27 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

an anonymous Franciscan friar, one hun- 
dred and fifty years before Columbus dis- 
covered America, this interesting fact was 
disclosed. 

"There are in the Kingdom of Castile, 
twenty-eight cities, and many other towns, 
castles, and villages. 

"Know that this Kingdom of Castile and 
Leon, has all the sea coast of the west, as far 
as Bayona the Greater, and borders on 
Navarre and Aragon, and Granada. 

"The ensign of the kings of this Kingdom 
is a Flag with two Castles and two Lions, 
quarterly." 

It appears to me that this flag mentioned 
by the old friar was closely related to the 
Royal Standard of Spain carried by Colum- 
bus when he first landed upon the shores of 
the new world October 12th, 1492. 

It is also recorded that about the year 
1000, four hundred and ninety years prior 
to the landing of Columbus, the Norse navi- 
gators headed by Lief Ericisson, known as 
"Eric the Bed," visited the eastern coast of 
the new world carrying a banner of white, 
upon which appeared "a raven with open 
bill and extended wings." 

In the face of all evidence found concern- 
ing the "Norse" navigators, there is no posi- 
tive record of their having unfurled a ban- 
ner upon American soil. 

28 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

During the First Crusade in the east in 
1095, Pope Urban II, assigned to all Chris- 
tion nations crosses, varying in color and 
design, to be used by them as standards, 
emblematic of the warfare in which they 
were engaged. To the Scotch, he gave the 
white cross of St. Andrew, on a blue field. 
The English received a yellow cross but a 
century later adopted a red cross on a white 
field. This was known as the cross of St. 
George. 

When James VI of Scotland ascended the 
throne of England as James I, he combined 
the crosses in 1606 and ordered all ships to 
carry the new Flag. At that time the vessels 
of South Britain floated the red cross of St. 
George, and the ships of North Britain, the 
white cross of St. Andrew. 

The new flag, a combination of the 
crosses, was known as the " Great Union," 
and later the ' ' Union Jack. ' ' Although this 
flag was in use a considerable time, it was 
not until 1707 that Parliament passed an act 
definitely establishing it. 

In the same year the British government 
instructed the navy to use what is known as 
the " White Ensign," the combined crosses 
of St. Andrew and St. George in the upper 
left hand corner of a white field. The ships 

29 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

forming the division now known as the 
naval reserve carried the crosses in the same 
position on a blue field; and the vessels en- 
gaged in commerce, the cross design upon a 
red field. 

During the colonial period the "Red 
Ensign, " or merchants flag, was the one 
most frequently seen and therefore was 
naturally looked upon by the colonists as 
the flag of the Mother Country. It might 
be well to inform the reader that there was 
considerable opposition to these cross flags, 
many believing their use idolatrous. In 
1635, a body of Massachusetts troops re- 
fused to march beneath a flag upon which 
appeared a cross, and military authorities 
were compelled to design a more acceptable 
standard. 

Massachusetts was among the first colon- 
ies to adopt a " Liberty Tree" flag. It was a 
white field with a narrow stripe of blue on 
the top and bottom edges, while in the centre 
appeared a green tree surmounted with the 
words " Liberty Tree," and over the bottom 
stripe of blue, and extending across the field 
beneath the tree, the solemn motto: "An 
Appeal to God.' ' 

The Southern colonies selected the rattle- 
snake as the emblem of vigilance and cour- 

30 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

age, and South Carolina, added the signifi- 
cant words, " Don't Tread On Me." Our 
first "Navy Jack," hoisted by John Paul 
Jones on the Alfred, December 3rd, 1776, 
was an example of these remarkable flags. 

I recall at this moment a conversation 
held between Benjamin Franklin and Gen- 
eral Washington December 13th, 1775, in 
regard to the adoption of the alternative 
stripes of red and white for the proposed 
flag of the young Republic. The former 
said, "While the field of the ensign under 
consideration must be new in the details of 
its design, it need not be entirely new in its 
elements. It is fortunate for us that there 
is already in use a flag with which the Eng- 
lish government is familiar, and which is 
not only recognized .but protected. I refer 
to the flag of the East India Company." 

To me this is conclusive evidence that this 
flag, containing the thirteen alternate red 
and white stripes, was the parent of the 
Flag of the United States made certain by 
the adoption of the stripes in the ' ' Cam- 
bridge Flag." 

The first distinctly American Flag in de- 
sign, known as the "Fort Moultrie Flag," 
was displayed in September, 1775. It was a 
blue field with a white crescent in the upper 

31 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

left hand quarter and just over the lower 
edge appeared the strikingly appropriate 
word " Liberty," also in white. 

It should be remembered that up to this 
time the colonists did not seek a common 
standard. They had accepted without ques- 
tion the "Red Ensign" of Great Britain. 
But they wished for something distinctive, 
something wholly representative. This they 
accomplished by adopting the red and white 
stripes of the "East India Company's" 
standard, and placing the crosses of St. 
Andrew and St. George in the upper left 
hand quarter of the flag. 

This ensign was known as the "Flag of 
the Union" or "The Cambridge Flag," and 
was first hoisted upon the ship of Com- 
modore Hopkins, the "Alfred," by John 
Paul Jones, December 3rd, 1775, and later 
by General Washington at his hedquarters 
at Cambridge, Massachusetts, January 2nd, 
1776. 

In this form the Flag remained until the 
colonies declared their independence. They 
then rejected the crosses of St. Andrew and 
St. George and in their place inserted the 
blue field, containing the thirteen five- 
pointed stars of hope. 

32 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

This completes my personal investiga- 
tions. I have attempted in my humble way, 
to follow the shortest path leading to my 
progenitors. I hope that doubts regarding 
the circumstances surrounding my birth 
are now satisfactorily dispelled. 

One truth is evident. I was not an instan- 
taneous production, but the direct result of 
suffering and sacrifice. From the beginning 
of my career I have represented the aspira- 
tions and achievements of loyal men and 
women who were alone responsible for my 
coming. 



33 



NARRATIVE V. 



iiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiuiiiimmiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 

Live and breathe the spirit of Justice 
and Equality. Desire only that which is 
rightfully thine. Stand squarely upon the 
rock of decency, and by your action en- 
courage a just and honorable manhood. 

it 1 1 1 1 1« 1 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 1 tt ? i !• 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 ii i ti i it 1 1 1 1 !• 1 1 1 1 1 • * 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 



NARRATIVE V. 

NO SOONER had I reached my 22nd 
birthday than I was plunged into my 
first great sorrow. This was in 1799. I pre- 
sume, my friend, you will deny this possi- 
bility and declare it ridiculous for me a flag, 
to be susceptible to emotion of any char- 
acter. 

Before you decide, let us analyze my rela- 
tionship to yourself. You will then the bet- 
ter appreciate my attitude. I have only to 
remind you that I am the Flag of the United 
States. Is not this enough to convince you 
that I really live, feel, and know? Why, my 
dear friend I am yourself. Your heart is my 
heart; your soul, my soul; I am your 
thoughts, your ambition. If you are weak, 
I am no longer strong; if you are selfish, I 
am no longer charitable; if you are unjust, I 
become the oppressor. Your loyalty to your 
government can only be measured by your 
loyalty to me. 

So when I speak of my joys and sorrows, 
it is because I am the throb of the national 
heart; the hope, the strength, of the national 
character. I am the essence of Justice es- 

37 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

tablished by Law. Then why should I not 
be susceptible to human emotions 1 Does not 
this hypothesis prove my power to feel? 

Without further argument I recall the 
profound grief I suffered at the loss of my 
more than friend, General George Wash- 
ington. It was not alone an irreparable loss 
to me, but a mighty blow to civilization. I 
loved this truly great man; this unselfish 
patriot, whose first and last thought was 
loyalty to his country. 

Oh, Washington, Washington, I will never 
forget your great affection for me, the Flag 
of the United States. I will ever stand the 
reflector of thy will. At thy grave you will 
find me the symbol of all you would have 
me, the invincible harbinger of human 
liberty. 

I do not wish to convey the thought that I 
do not mourn the loss of all who gave their 
lives for me, that vast army of unknown 
dead, who died that I might live. Each foot 
of earth in which they rest is sanctified by 
their blood, forever and forever. 

It is my duty to see that you, my friend, 
do not forget the priceless blood and treas- 
ure that made certain the birth and per- 
petuity of the Federal Union. 

38 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

My second great grief was the death of 
Alexander Hamilton, occurring in 1805, at 
the hands of that political outcast, Aaron 
Burr, who, disowned by his State, experi- 
enced the just fate of the insincere scoun- 
drel who stopped at nothing to secure his 
ends. His despicable intrigues forced the 
great patriot Hamilton to defend his honor 
with his life, and Burr, the despised and 
hated Burr, finally paid his debt to Heaven 
and the Republic. Detested at home ; loathed 
abroad; driven from England; expelled from 
France; he became a penniless wanderer 
and returning to the country he had out- 
raged, died a lonely broken man. 

In 1865, at the height of a glorious career, 
with the unity of the States assured and 
peace once more established, Abraham 
Lincoln fell mortally wounded, the victim of 
assassination. 

Never did a nation experience so pro- 
found a grief. Lincoln the Emancipator, 
the savior of the Republic, found in death 
the peace he craved. Although dead, the 
memory of his noble words, his generous 
deeds, will be recalled again and again as 
long as the mind of man endures. 

The world was again shocked and stunned 
in 1881 by the untimely death of our 

39 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

twentieth President of the United States, 
James A. Garfield. Once again the assassin 
robbed the government of a great and good 
man; a Christian gentleman, and a true 
patriot, whose public and private life will 
ever be remembered as one of the ornaments 
of our national life. 

The third President to meet death in a 
similar manner was William McKinley, who 
passed away September 14th, 1901. It was 
said of him, "He fought like a hero; wrought 
like a statesman; lived like a Christian and 
died like a philosopher. ' ' 

As I recall the unfortunate circumstances 
surrounding the untimely deaths of these 
patriots, there appears nothing to justify 
acts so base. These great men were raised 
to posts of honor by the citizens of a free 
nation and had been guilty of no wrong. 
Their thought, aim and effort was to multi- 
ply the blessings of human liberty. Yet they 
died the victims of ignorance, hatred and 
disloyalty. Let us see to it that they did 
not die in vain. 

In 1919 came the loss of the great Ameri- 
can, Theodore Roosevelt. No man, living or 
dead, served his country with greater fi- 
delity. None can question his tremendous 
loyalty; his great love for me, the Mag of 

40 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

the United States. His intense American- 
ism; his unswerving allegiance to his gov- 
ernment, was and ever will be an inexhaust- 
ible inspiration to his countrymen. 

Washington, Hamilton, Lincoln, Garfield, 
McKinley, Roosevelt ! What illustrious 
names to conjure with. What memories 
cluster about their remarkable personali- 
ties. Each suffered with heroic fortitude. 
Each played well his part. Each placed his 
faith in Almighty God. Each left an im- 
perishable name. 

Let me, the Flag of the United States, 
always remind you of the personal debt you 
owe your country. In memory of the service 
rendered by these men who served, and in 
serving died, give the best within you. Exer- 
cise the rights of citizenship. Become a 
virile part of the Union, a Union that needs 
the sustaining force of honorable effort. 

Do not misunderstand me, I beg of you. 
I wish to harmonize, not antagonize. But I 
deem it a duty to remind you that every 
time your eyes rest upon me, that you as 
well as I, have national sorrows. 

I am but the reminder of the devotion, 
sacrifice and purpose of these brave men 
who breathed into our very souls the spirit 

41 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

of divine liberty. Therefore I admonish you, 
study the marvelous history of your country, 
remembering, that legislation will not, nay, 
cannot make a good citizen. It merely 
points the way. The attainment rests solely 
in the hands of the individual. Once pos- 
sessed with this knowledge, you should, 
with patriotic zeal, embrace every oppor- 
tunity of thoroughly knowing the United 
States, and in knowing, serve. 



42 



NARRATIVE VI. 



IIIIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIII 

Instill confidence in the stranger to self- 
government by doing all in your power to 
prove a sincere desire on your part to be- 
come a worthy advocate of the principles 
involved. 

Americans are judged, not by what they 
say, but by ivhat they do. It is well to see 
to it that we do not mislead or betray 
those who seek to emulate our example. 

■■■■■iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 



NARRATIVE VI. 

ONE blusterous morning, several months 
after the entrance of the United States 
into the World- War a poor itinerant street 
peddler, a recent arrival from over-seas, en- 
tered a novelty house in New York's whole- 
sale district and purchased a goodly number 
of small Flags of the United States, includ- 
ing the narrator, for the purpose of selling 
us to whomever would buy. I confess the 
purchaser, an old trader, had little sym- 
pathy for me at this time. His one thought 
was profit. I was delighted to know, how- 
ever, that he considered my market value of 
such importance. Many of my native-born 
supporters did not give me even this con- 
sideration. It also pleased me to think that 
my purchaser, whoever he might be, would 
acquire me, not so much for my beauty, but 
for the principles inculcated within my 
folds. 

It was decidedly interesting for me to 
watch the conduct of the people approached. 
The pathetic cry of the peddler, "Buy a 
flag, mister, buy a flag," was not calculated 
to be particularly appealing. However, I 

45 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

was pleased to note that even with this 
handicap he enjoyed a considerable measure 
of success. Out of the armful he had pur- 
chased earlier in the day, I was the only one 
unsold at noon, and as he was a stranger un- 
used to our ways, I was very glad of his 
success. 

He was standing upon the edge of the 
curb, crying his wares, trying to dispose of 
me, the last of his stock. Turning suddenly 
he unintentionally struck a corpulent by- 
stander a feeble tap on the cheek with the 
slender staff to which I was attached. The 
outraged citizen flew into a terrible passion 
and viciously abused the trembling man. 
" You scum," he exclaimed, "why don't you 
stay in the street where you belong." 

"Please," apologetically whined the 
frightened vendor, "I'm sorry, I didn't 
mean to — ." Before the unfortunate could 
say more, the offended American deliber- 
ately pushed the old man sprawling into the 
street. 

From my position in the gutter, I appeal- 
ed to each passer-by to assist us, yet none 
heeded my appeal, and with smile or sneer, 
went their several wa}^s, unmindful of the 
man from "over-seas" or the flag by his 
side. 

46 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

The poor vendor, like thousands of his 
kind, must learn that the brutal, selfish ac- 
tion was un-American; that a true citizen 
of the Republic is the respecter of the 
rights of others, and that although I am the 
Flag of the United States, I should not be 
held responsible for the conduct of every 
boor who not only disregards the sacred 
rights of others, but denies the injunction 
of the Master who wishes mankind to "love 
thy neighbor as thyself/ • 

For one hundred and forty-four years I 
have tried to awaken within the souls of 
men a desire for justice and equality. I 
would prevent the deluge of blood and tears 
occasioned by man's inhumanity to man. I 
would lessen the number of widows and 
orphans and forever abolish the staggering 
cost of war. 

Unfortunately civilization must learn in- 
dividually. The wound pains him most upon 
whom the blow descends. Each must profit 
by their own bitter experience. Unfortu- 
nate as this appears, it is the inexorable law 
of human progress. 

No sooner had my friend regained his 
feet and rescued me from impending dan- 
gers, when a well-dressed, smooth-faced 
man of about forty, placed a kindly hand 

47 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

upon his shoulder and conducted him around 
the corner, and down a less frequented 
street where they might converse without 
being observed. 

"My poor friend," said the smooth-faced 
one, after he had reached a secluded spot, "I 
was a witness to the great indignity inflict- 
ed upon you, by one of the privileged class. 
I am indeed thankful that I was not born in 
this detestable land. Like you I came from 
afar. It is well enough to sell the flag you 
hold in your hand to such fools as will buy. 
But do not allow yourself to be blinded by 
its glamour. It is not the emblem for you, 
my comrade. Take this pamphlet to the se- 
clusion of your home, and read it carefully. 
Do not let this rag of liberty lead you from 
the true path of freedom. Join with us and 
aid in securing the justice to which the poor 
are entitled. We must pave the way for our 
children. We must not allow them to be- 
come the hopeless slaves of their masters. 
Take this information quickly and hide it, 
for here come the police." After giving the 
astonished peddler several tracts, he rapidly 
crossed the street and disappeared. 

What might have been the thoughts of my 
bemuddled friend I do not know and I fear 
I never shall, for at this moment a boy of 

48 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

about ten, raced out from one of the many 
doorways that lined the thoroughfare, and 
approaching the old man abruptly asked, 
"How much for the flag, mister?" "Ten 
cents" was the indifferent reply, and after 
the youngster had laborously counted ten 
pennies, he received me and was gone. 

I have always regretted this unceremon- 
ious parting from my aged friend. I wanted 
to warn him against the smooth-faced man. 
It was my desire to tell him the story he 
must one day hear, must one day understand. 
Perhaps he found his way to honorable citi- 
zenship. I hope he does not, like others, seek 
the destruction of the government that 
guarantees the blessings of liberty for our- 
selves and our posterity. Who knows? 

The boy re-entered the doorway from 
which he had emerged and carried me up 
winding, dirty stairs, then down a long dark 
passage to his home. Home ? It would have 
been far better had I described it as a pen, 
for such it turned out to be. 

The building in which this pen or room 
was located, was in the district known as 
the "Ghetto," and I am surprised to know 
that there are many of the same character 
in the United States. 

49 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

This particular place in which I was im- 
prisoned is called a " tenement, " a huge 
structure containing many pens or rooms in 
which people live. Had I not better say 
exist? Some one said in my hearing that 
forty families resided in this poorly lighted 
and ventilated building. I was also informed 
that one bath tub did duty for all. 

The boy walked the entire length of the 
dark passage before he came to the door 
opening into his pen or room. Upon enter- 
ing he looked about as if in search of some 
place to put me. He finally decided to tack 
me against the wall, to the right of the door, 
and directly in front of a pile of rags. I 
think he selected this spot because these 
rags were his bed, and he could see me the 
last thing at night and the first in the morn- 
ing. I am glad io say that the boy did not 
drive the tacks sustaining me, through my 
colors, but used them to fasten my staff, a 
departure from the usual custom I will ad- 
mit, but one that I deeply appreciate. 

My position against the wall prevented 
me from seeing a very great distance down 
the dimly lighted hallway. I did discover, 
however, a water faucet just outside the 
door that supplied all residing upon this 
particular floor. I was astonished to note 

so 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

that there was no sink or drain for carrying 
off the drippings. An old battered and ex- 
ceedingly dirty oil can stood beneath the 
tap. This receptacle was constantly over- 
flowing owing to a lack of attention. The 
children, and there were many, added to the 
unfortunate condition and it had become a 
veritable slime of dirt and moisture, as well 
as a menace to health and safety. 

The room was very poorly furnished. Op- 
posite the door a curtainless window gave a 
pale faced woman opportunity for hanging 
out the half -washed clothes of the children. 
In the centre of the floor stood a dilapidated 
kitchen table and four re-constructed chairs. 
Behind the door lay a musty mattress, and 
in the opposite corner was the resting place 
of the boy who had purchased me. 

On the end of the table was a two-burner 
gas stove upon which had been piled a 
blackened coffee pot and several pieces of 
unwashed tinware. Upon a newspaper, 
serving as a tablecloth, were scattered plates 
more or less cracked, containing remnants 
of food. This completes the important pos- 
sessions about me. Now add the insufferable 
heat, numberless flies and the unsanitary 
conditions already mentioned and I am sure 
you will not envy my isolation. 

Si 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

One evening, following an exceedingly 
warm afternoon, I noticed that something 
a little out of the ordinary was about to 
occur. The people residing on the several 
floors were bustling in and out of the room 
in which I was imprisoned. It was evident 
that some visitor was expected. Willing 
hands carried away the blankets and other 
impediments. The table was placed against 
the wall and the entire floor space filled with 
chairs so arranged that those assembled 
could face the expected one. I also noticed 
that the men arriving wore scarlet ribbons 
pinned to the lapels of their coats and the 
women a bit of the same material in their 
hair. Soon the children announced the ex- 
pected one and you may well judge of my 
surprise when I recognized in the guest of 
the evening none other than the smooth- 
faced man who had led my friend, the 
peddler, to the obscure spot on the street. 

After removing his hat and cloak, he 
shook hands with all present in a very cor- 
dial manner and seemed delighted with the 
attention shown. The greetings exchanged, 
a chairman called the meeting to order and 
suggested sending the children to the foot 
of the stairs with instructions to keep their 
eyes open for the police. When quiet was 

52 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

restored, the smooth-faced man, proceeded 
to address his hearers, as near as I can re- 
member as follows : 

" Comrades: We must prepare for the 
great revolt. This boasted government has 
fallen into the hands of a select few. The 
freedom they demand is the freedom to 
plunder and oppress. It is they who grind 
you and your rights beneath their feet. They 
exact all you can pay then deny you human 
necessities. You seek a home, and they give 
you a hovel. Do not your children require 
food, clothes and education? Does not the 
first amendment to the Constitution declare 
that " Congress shall make no law abridg- 
ing the freedom of speech or press, or the 
right of the people to peacefully assemble?" 
Yet in the face of this statement are not 
these privileges denied us? To escape the 
police, the thugs of the rich, are we not com- 
pelled to meet secretly in the homes of the 
brotherhood?" 

How long this tirade against the govern- 
ment of the United States might have con- 
tinued, I am not in a position to know for at 
this moment a young man wearing the uni- 
form of the American Expeditionary Forces, 
appeared in the doorway. His face, although 
badly scarred, beamed with eagerness and 

53 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

hope, as he proudly disclosed three gold 
service bars on the sleeve of his coat. 

The smooth-faced man, angered at the 
sudden appearance of the soldier, directed 
his entire attention to him. Pointing his 
finger at him he screamed in a frenzy of 
passion: 

"Look, my comrades; look, there stands 
one of the heroic representatives of a gov- 
ernment that forcibly takes your sons and 
orders them to murder unfortunates. Look 
upon the uniformed lackey of his master! 
Down with the government that would de- 
stroy us! Down with their constitution! 
Down with their " 

For the first time he beheld me the flag 
he loathed tacked upon the wall. Now 
thoroughly enraged he sprang toward me 
shouting: "See that symbol? That cursed 
flag? Tear it from the wall! Let me " 

Neither the sentence nor the action ever 
finished, for quick as a flash of light the 
soldier seized the frenzied man, and hurled 
him into the midst of the startled brother- 
hood. 

"Don't lay your hand upon that flag/' 
warned the soldier, as he stooped to pick 
up a trench cap that had fallen to the 

54 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

floor. " Stand back, every one of you," he 
exclaimed, as they moved menacingly to- 
ward him. "I once believed just such state- 
ments as you have heard. I even believed 
that this flag, yours and mine, the one he 
sought to dishonor, was the emblem of sel- 
fishness and greed. I was wrong, I learned 
this 'over there,' amid the roar of battle, and 
believe me I understand." 

"My boy!" exclaimed an old man as he 
emerged from the group and crossed to the 
soldier's side. 

"Dad, dear old dad, you here with that 
man? Oh dad, you don't understand I know 
you don't; but it will come out all right dad, 
sure. But where 's mother? Not a word, go 
tell her I am here, quick dad, find her." 

As the old man left the room in search of 
the absent one, the soldier turned and faced 
the astonished neighbors. 

"You all remember me. I may have 
changed a bit; that couldn't be helped. But 
I want to say this much to every one of you. 
Don't let men of this type rob you of the 
protection of this flag. It has required many 
years to build this government of which you 
are a part. Would you help these men de- 
stroy it in a day? Don't forget that when 
you left your homes across the sea and ar- 

55 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

rived upon these shores — you, my friends, 
every one of you, become a part of the 
United States. You left behind you every 
association, every allegiance. You became 
builders, not destroyers. You came as honest 
men, not liars and rogues. You came to sup- 
port this government, not to tear it apart. 
From this very hour you must abandon 
these false prophets, they would annihilate 
the opportunities of 'life, liberty and the 
pursuit of happiness/ Become, I beg of you, 
worthy defenders of this flag, for it is now 
the Flag of your Country and mine." 

"Did you get that, ye big stiff," asked a 
boy who had edged his way to the side of 
the smooth-faced man. "Did ye get that?" 

' ' Hello kid. Where 's mother ? ' ' 

"She's a-comin' and a-comin' strong. 
When dad said you was here, I'll bet I came 
so fast my feet never hit a step." Then 
crossing to the smooth-faced man the boy 
continued. "What ye waitin' fur? Didn't yer 
hear what me brudder said, huh?" 

"The kid's right, this is no place for you, 
and don't let me find you here again," added 
the soldier, as he placed his arm about the 
boy and drawing him affectionately to him 
said, "You are all to the merry kid, all to 
the merry." 

56 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

" Yes, but it took me big brudder to tell it 
to him. Gee Bud, you did tell it to him, I'll 
tell the woild." 

" Where is he? where is heV called an 
anxious voice from out the passage. Quickly 
the soldier turned and met the advancing 
woman and mother and son clasped each 
other in eager arms. 

As the smooth-faced man passed through 
the door, the neighbors gathered about the 
re-united family. My last recollection was a 
happy group of men and women, receiving 
their first lesson in citizenship from the man 
who knew. I enjoyed their attempt to sing 
with understanding, "My country 'tis of 
thee, sweet land of liberty." 

After all had departed, the boy crossed to 
where I hung upon the wall, and gazing af- 
fectionately upon me, whispered, half to me, 
half to himself, "Gee Bo, yer some flag, be- 
lieve me, some flag." 



57 



NARRATIVE VII. 



iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii inn inn iiiiiiimiiiiiiiin 

Defend the home, that sacred refuge of 
love, respect and confidence. Surround it 
with every possible protection. It is in 
the home that the character of the man or 
woman is formed. All that they are or 
ever will be is traceable to the home. 

The world cries aloud for home-bred, 
home-loving men and ivomen — men and 
ivomen of vision and wisdom who believe 
in the enobling influence of the American 
home. 

Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 



NARRATIVE VII. 

I EEC ALL a certain judge whose upright 
decisions had won for him an enduring 
place in the hearts of his countrymen. He 
was an intense American, and one who 
never lost the opportunity of impressing all 
who came in contact with him the necessity 
for a greater love of me. 

He would often declare that " justice is 
purchased at the cost of personal sacrifice 
and that good citizenship is based upon serv- 
ice to one's country. You cannot be a good 
citizen and withhold service and obedience. 
Our first duty is to the Mag, symbolic of 
service and obedience. We should know it; 
understand it, and so become worthy the 
title, citizen. " 

One day I was idly swinging backward 
and forward in his court room, swayed by 
the crisp morning air. Glancing through the 
open window, I obtained an occasional 
glimpse of another flag like myself, sus- 
pended from a staff on the building op- 
posite. It had been left out over night, and 
the dawn disclosed a huge rent which ex- 
tended the entire length of the color. In 

61 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

truth, had it not been for the canvas hoist, 
the poor emblem would have been torn 
asunder, the victim of ignorance and 
neglect. 

I was contrasting the two Americans, my 
patriotic Judge and the owner of my 
wounded relative across the street, when 
the court room door opened and a woman 
timidly entered. She looked pale, anxious, 
unhappy; in spite of this, she was beautiful 
in form and face. The woman walked 
wearily across the courtroom and seated 
herself by the open window, directly in 
front of me. As her tear-dimmed eyes 
rested upon my folds I cried aloud for 
justice and sympathy. Perhaps she heard 
my voice, perhaps she understood. 

I was about to turn my attention to my 
wounded compatriot across the street, when 
a business or professional man of about 
forty entered. Undoubtedly he had not ex- 
pected to meet the woman, too occupied 
with her thoughts to notice his presence. He 
turned as if to leave the court room on see- 
ing her, but as suddenly changed his mind. 
Removing his hat, he slowly crossed to 
where the woman was seated and extend- 
ing his hand said: 

62 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"May I speak with you before the case is 
called ?" 

The woman started nervously and speak- 
ing with an effort replied: 

" There is nothing more to say, John; why 
prolong the agony V 

" Because, Lillian," the man looked to- 
ward the door, then back to the woman. 
" Because of the boy. I do not think we are 
doing ourselves justice." The woman raised 
an expostulating hand. 

" Listen, please, until I am done," pleaded 
the man in an almost inaudible voice. "God 
knows I am trying to do my duty now, if 
never before. When I told you I loved you 
it was the truth, I swear it; and I still love 
you. Please listen. Something has caused 
us to drift apart. We may have acted hastily, 
foolishly. I don't know how it happened. 
I've tried to analyze it all, without success. 
It seems the only sensible thing to do but 
the thought of it chills my heart. 

"I feel as if I stood at the edge of a grave, 
forsaken, lost. I see drifting from me all 
that I had ever hoped for, slaved for; my 
wife, my home, my boy. They may never 
come to me again. So I determined to see 
you, and just talk things over, you and I to- 

63 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

gether; we might find where we erred and 
perhaps the sun would shine again, if not 
for us, the boy." 

"But you have been so unreasonable, 
cruel. You had your club, your friends, 
your business, while I remained always 
alone." 

"Lillian, I fear we misunderstood; that 
we have never taken each other into our con- 
fidence. Look at that flag above us, dear, 
does it not point the way? See its stars of 
hope; its stripes of purity and courage; its 
field of loyal blue. Does it not acclaim the 
Union of States? Then why not the union 
of hearts?" 

"Don't John, please don't! Can you not 
see? Can you not understand? It is too 
late." 

"It is never too late for justice," said a 
white haired man, who had entered unob- 
served. It was my friend the Judge. He had 
heard the man's reference to me. He walked 
proudly forward, and facing husband and 
wife, held the battered stump of an arm be- 
fore them and with a voice trembling with 
emotion said: 

"Look, my friends, when angry States 
resolved to disagree; when passion and 

64 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

hatred robbed them of reason; they, like you, 
determined to go their separate ways. They 
demanded a divorce. They forgot that the 
result of that separation meant the destruc- 
tion of our Federal Union, just as divorce 
means the annihilation of your home, your 
hope, your love. The secession of States 
meant the death of loyalty, freedom, justice. 
But all did not believe in this divorcing of 
States. To help save the Union I offered my 
life, but Lincoln only took an arm." 

"My friends," continued the Judge, "sor- 
row has seared my heart and tears have 
chastened my soul. My wife and son, all I 
possessed, sleep side by side in a little 
church yard, way out west. Often in my 
great loneliness I recall the bitter struggle 
for success. How she skimped and saved 
for me, and the boy. How she loved this 
beautiful flag, and how proud she was of 
me, when I marched away to defend its 
honor. Your reference to it a moment ago 
was as appropriate as it was timely. All we 
are, all we will ever be, we owe to that flag. 

"It pleads just as earnestly for an indi- 
visible home as it did for an indivisible 
Union of States. It makes marriage a sacred 
responsibility, not a transitory accommoda- 
tion. I know little of the merits or demerits 

65 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

of your case. But I do feel certain, that your 
troubles are greatly magnified. Please do 
not interrupt, as lawyer and jurist I have 
had exceptional opportunities to investigate 
the various causes of divorce, and I say in 
all candor, that I deeply regret the fragility 
of the home. 

"Madam, I am the uncompromising 
enemy of the wife who puts herself above 
that home. I cannot believe that God in- 
tended the mothers and wives of men to be- 
come social, political, commercial, or profes- 
sional leaders at the expense of that home. 
I am old fashioned enough to look upon our 
women as the unquestioned queens of the 
fireside. And say what you will, the uncon- 
trovertable fact remains that the future 
American citizen will be the product of that 
home. 

"Our country's greatest need is men and 
women big enough, loyal enough, unselfish 
enough, to bear and forbear; to help each 
other, come weal or woe. There can be no 
advantage ; no superiority. In prosperity or 
adversity; sickness or health; life or death, 
be loving, true. You must not think me a 
meddling old man, I want you to realize your 
responsibility.' ' Slowly he walked to the 
window, then turned and faced both man 

66 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

and wife and gazing steadily into their 
eyes asked, "Is there a child ?" 

"A son," faintly answered the woman. 

"A son?" repeated the Judge, "a son?" 

"Yes Judge, a son," replied the man. 

"Now, my friends, you shall listen to me. 
What has this innocent boy done to merit 
this great wrong? Has he no rights? Must 
he become an outcast? Is he to be denied a 
home because you, his father, and you, his 
mother, are too selfish to care whether his 
heart be broken or not?" 

"How dare you address me in this man- 
ner?" interrupted the man springing to his 
feet. 

"How dare you ruin the future of your 
son?" replied the Judge calmly. "Be seated, 
please. Is it because you and this lady have 
become too self centered, too timid, too 
vacillating? Is it possible that your sole 
idea is self, nothing but self? Because of 
some wrong, fancied or otherwise, you are 
going to be avenged one upon the other. You 
intend to show the other how little you 
care ; you are going to teach each other their 
place; you have made up your minds to 
wreck, destroy, annihilate. You, who once 
swore before your God, to love, honor, and 
obey." 

67 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"And your son? What effect will your 
unnatural action have upon his life? Will 
it increase his respect for the marriage rela- 
tion? Will he profit by this division of affec- 
tion? Will he honor and respect the father 
and mother who stood between him and a 
home ? Will he admire your lack of courage 
and consideration? One day he will recog- 
nize the cruel truth. The passion of the par- 
ents was stronger than their love for him. 
He will know that they cowardly deserted 
the being they created, and his inheritance 
will be, not the memory of home, but a dis- 
torted vision of selfishness, disrespect, and 
cruelty/' 

"Such justice as ye give unto others, shall 
also be given unto you. If you must sepa- 
rate, it is well that you know the price. Turn 
your boy from you, the victim of an unhappy 
union. Teach him to hate, regret and die, 
lacking the inspiring love of a united par- 
entage. My friends I have done." Quickly 
the aged man moved toward the door of his 
chamber and would have entered, had not 
the unhappy woman cast herself before him. 

"Judge, please, please hear me; I have 
been selfish; wrong; foolish perhaps, but 
now I understand, I understand." 

68 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

The man crossed to the side of the weep- 
ing woman and tenderly raised her in his 
arms. 

"My friend, the fault has been equally 
mine, she is not alone to blame." Then ad- 
dressing the woman he continued, " Lillian, 
let us begin again, if not for ourselves, for 
the boy." 

"Yes John," replied the wife, "and you 
will help me, won't you John?" 

"Yes dear." Husband and wife now 
grasped the Judge's hand in silence, turned, 
and slowly passed through the swinging 
doors, in search of the boy. 

At the window facing me stood a white 
haired man. He extended a crippled arm to- 
ward me as he murmured, ' ' Oh glorious flag 
of justice and equality, continue to be my 
inspiration and my guide!" 



NARRATIVE VIII. 



■■IIIIIIIIIIIIllllSlIIIIIIIllllllllIIIIIllllllIlllIllllllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlllllllllllI 

We must see to it that there be no divi- 
sion of loyalty among those voho enter our 
ports. We have generously opened our 
gates, but as they cross our portals each 
must be informed that unless they become 
AMERICAN in word, thought and deed it 
tvould be far better had they remained at 
home. 

1 1 1 it 1 11 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 • 11 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 ii i ii 1 1 1 1 ^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • ; it 1 1 11 1 ii i ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f • i 1 1 1 r 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 



NARRATIVE VIII. 

I AM reminded of the personal experience 
of one member of my family, who had the 
good fortune to be returned to the United 
States after being sent abroad. My relative 
also had the honor of securing a loyal citi- 
zen and adding much to the happiness of 
many. But here is the strange story, as re- 
lated by my brother. 

"I was a very small silk flag of the United 
States, and had been separated from my 
associates for a somewhat indefinite period. 
It was not until I found myself neatly and 
carefully folded between two sheets of writ- 
ing paper placed in an envelope and sealed 
therein, that I realized that my purchaser 
intended sending me to some one at a great 
distance. 

" Enclosed as I was, I could not determine 
my destination. So I resolved to act like a 
sensible flag, and patiently await develop- 
ments. " 

In recounting events dating from the time 
of my arrival over-seas, I have a hazy recol- 
lection of a strange voice addressing some 
one as follows: "Heinrich, here is a big fat 

73 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

letter for you, it is from America, see, I put 
it here/ ' 

I felt myself dropped upon a smooth hard 
surface, only to be seized, the envelope 
opened, the paper extracted and unfolded, 
as a gentle breeze swept me from between 
the sheets of paper, and I fell at the feet of 
my new acquaintance. 

A young man of, I should say, about 28 
years of age, picked me up immediately, and 
tenderly said: 

"I am glad Carl sent you to me, little flag; 
I will give you to Lena. Some day we are go- 
ing to your wonderful country, there to live 
in harmony with all the world. I crave the 
protection and opportunity guaranteed by 
your laws. I wish to live an honorable life 
unmolested by selfish ambitions ; to be loved 
and respected. Flag of freedom and justice 
befriend me; inspire me; make possible the 
realization of my dream." 

He addressed me so fervently, so consid- 
erately, I experienced a feeling of joy and 
thankfulness, for I realized that I had fallen 
into friendly hands, and would not be sub- 
jected to personal indignities. 

Holding me admiringly before him, he 
turned and walked toward a hedge a short 

74 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

distance away, stopped, and called to a 
young girl, who came to him instantly. 

"Look Lena, I have just received a letter 
from Carl. It is the first since the armistice 
was signed. It brings a message from over 
the sea," and he handed me to Lena, who 
seemed glad I had come to her for she 
pressed me to her cheek and repeated softly 
"A message from over the sea." 

"Yes dear," answered Heinrich, "Carl 
bids us come to the United States, there to 
live in peace for ever more." 

"Is there such a land?" 

"Yes Lena; come, sit beneath this tree, 
and I will tell you the message of the flag." 
After they were comfortably seated the man 
continued, "This flag of Red, White and 
Blue, has for many years invited the op- 
pressed of the earth to its home. There all 
are free and equal; there one may worship 
God, according to his belief. There, all peo- 
ples dwell in peace and happiness." Impati- 
ently springing to his feet he walked away 
from the girl, but immediately returned, and 
looking down upon her declared passion- 
ately: 

"Like Rudolph, I am tired of war and 
famine ; tired of rulers who spurn the rights 

75 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

of the people; tired of masters who debase 
the blood; tired of leaders who enforce the 
law of might. I long to be free; free to live; 
free to enjoy the exalted rights of a true 
citizenship; to be free to work, to love. Not 
as a royal slave, but as a man, capable of 
earning, accumulating, enjoying, and be- 
stowing upon others, the right to "Life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness/' 

"That is indeed a wonderful message," 
replied the girl. 

"And this flag is its inspiration. See, its 
blood-red stripes mean hardiness and valor; 
its white, purity and innocence; its blue, 
perseverance, vigilance and justice; its 
stars, hope." 

"Hope?" murmured Lena. 

"Yes, and has not the Master been merci- 
ful? — am I not safe and well? All because 
of your prayers for me." Then seating him- 
self at the feet of the girl he continued: 

"Did I not escape the ravages of war? I 
was not to die on the battle field Lena. But 
I am forgetting the letter from Carl. He 
bids me join him, he has found employment 
for me. It will not be long before I will have 
earned enough for your passage, then you 
too, will leave this war-torn land and join 

76 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

me in America. The little flag you hold in 
your hand shall be yours; wear it next to 
your heart, and remember I shall be as loyal 
to you as its field of azure blue. You may 
have it, Lena." 

"No Heinrich, I will not take it from 
you." 

"I have another, see? Carefully he drew 
a small silk flag of the United States from 
out a pocketbook and proudly held it in his 
hand. "This was given me at the Marne 
by an American soldier whom I found 
mortally wounded. He begged for water; I 
raised him in my arms ; placed my canteen to 
his lips. He fancied in his delirium that I 
was a comrade; he asked me to take a mes- 
sage to his mother when I returned to the 
States, saying: 

"Take it to her, my mother; you will find 
her address written upon the edge beside the 
stars. Take it, love it, defend it, and tell the 
boys I'm going over the top. And so he died; 
out there in that sea of blood. I shall keep 
my promise to the soldier of the Marne. " 
Carefully folding the little flag entrusted 
to him, he replaced it in his pocket book be- 
side the portrait of the girl Lena. "And now 
dear," he continued, "may I place this upon 
your finger?" 

77 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"A ring?" exclaimed the delighted girl. 

"Have I not loved you these many years'? 
First as the student of Heidelberg; then as 
the soldier, and now as the man. I have 
waited until the conclusion of the war for 
I did not want you to have a cripple for a 
husband. It is because of this love that I 
shall go to the United States. Will you trust 
me and wait, just a little longer V 9 

"Forever if need be," answered the girl. 

I have only to tell you that Lena placed 
me in her bosom and during the embrace 
that f ollowed,I knew that two hearts beat in 
happy unison, and that some day, we four 
would meet again. 



78 



NARRATIVE EX. 



IlllllllllllllllllllllillUllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllllill 

Let no one under-estimate the full sig- 
nificance of the word liberty. Too often 
we substitute license, and so voice con- 
tempt of the law. 

It is high time that we understand that 
liberty can be liberty only so long as it 
does not destroy the inalienable rights of 
the people. 

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■• 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ; 1 1 e ■ 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 » 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • i c 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 i ■■ 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 a 1 1 1 1 



NARRATIVE IX. 

IT WILL BE much better for me to con- 
tinue the story of the flag given Heinrich 
by the soldier who died upon the battle field. 
You must remember, that I am the flag sent 
to Heinrich by Carl and given by him to 
Lena, before sailing for the United States. 
So I will first give you the story of my rela- 
tive before concluding my own. 

The little flag was not taken from its hid- 
ing place until one afternoon in the 
crowded steerage of a huge trans-Atlantic 
liner bound for the United States. It was an 
ill smelling hole and there was much sick- 
ness. Poorly clad and hungry children were 
everywhere. My defender was showing a 
fellow passenger the portrait of a girl and 
with much pride exhibited the flag given 
him in "No Man's Land." Without warn- 
ing the stranger struck the silken folds from 
out his hand, and as it fell to the deck, raised 
his heel as if to stamp upon it. Undoubtedly 
he would have succeeded had not Heinrich 
seized him by the throat. 

There followed a cry of alarm; a rush of 
many feet and during the ensuing excite- 

81 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

ment, my relative was severely trampled 
upon and might have been badly defaced 
had not a very dirty boy spied me and pick- 
ing me up, put me in his pocket. 

Heinrich in the meantime managed to 
extricate himself from the excited throng 
and regain his treasure. 

The next appearance of the little flag was 
several days later as the good ship neared 
its destination. The shore line of the great 
United States lay before them. This caused 
much commotion among the passengers, es- 
pecially in the steerage. This distant vision 
was to be their home. Soon they would be- 
come a part of the American Republic. The 
land of promise and opportunity. What 
would it bring to them? 

The vessel was met by puffing tugs and 
slowly pushed and pulled into the harbor. 
"See," excitedly exclaimed an aged man. 
"See, is not that the Goddess of Liberty?" 
All eyes turned toward the inspiring statue 
and anxiously tried to understand. The de- 
fender of my relative paid little heed to 
those about him. He was engrossed with his 
own thoughts. In his hands he held the pic- 
ture of a girl resting upon the silken flag of 
the Marne, and as he gazed upon the land 

82 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

of his dreams, I heard his earnest voice re- 
peat these wonderful words. 

"God be my witness. I pledge my allegi- 
ance to this flag of the United States and to 
the Republic for which it stands ; one nation, 
indivisible, with liberty and justice to all." 

Friend Heinrich did not at this time real- 
ize that citizenship must be earned. He was 
yet to learn that political rights and privi- 
leges are the result, not alone of knowing 
the law but of submission to it. He had not 
yet realized that good citizenship is based 
upon service and that one cannot be a good 
citizen if he withholds it. He was one day 
to know, that justice is purchased at the cost 
of personal sacrifice, and that society is com- 
posed of men and women who must acknowl- 
edge the rightousness of constituted author- 
ity. He found that citizenship was not an 
abnormal desire to get all, hold all, and give 
nothing, but on the contrary, a well balanced 
effort to secure and enjoy the fruits of hon- 
orable effort. 

He also learned that the safety, the pros- 
perity, the happiness, aye the perpetuity of 
self-government lie in the willingness of the 
people constituting that government to deal 
justly with one another; not only to under- 

83 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

stand that each must do his part, but to do 
it cheerfully and without delay. 

It was indeed regretable that upon the ar- 
rival of Heinrich in the great city of New 
York, Carl failed to meet him as expected. 
While unable to understand his absence, he 
resolved to find him as speedily as possible. 
He was now in the United States; he must 
not forget Lena or his promise to the soldier 
of the Marne. First he would find Carl; then 
he would keep his word given upon the field 
of battle; he would study the ways of those 
about him and one day he would reap the 
reward of his labor and become what he 
had set out to be, a loyal citizen of the 
United States. 



84 



NARRATIVE X. 



iiiiimiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiii 

Every American citizen must champion 
the right, in order that Justice be done. He 
who defies the law defies the people, and 
by his action becomes a menace to society 
and a detriment to civilization. 

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmiimimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimimiiiimimiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 



NARRATIVE X. 

THE FAILURE of Carl to meet Heinrich 
was not alone disappointing but depress- 
ing. He feared something serious had hap- 
pened, and alarm increased his anxiety. 
What could have detained him? 

After waiting at the immigration office 
the greater part of the day, he determined 
to go to the address given in the last letter 
he had received. Without serious difficulty 
he found the place where Carl had lived, but 
was informed that his friend had been run 
over by an automobile, and taken to the 
City Hospital, some two weeks before his 
arrival. 

The mystery surrounding Carl's absence 
explained, Heinrich lost no time in locating 
the unfortunate who was naturally over- 
joyed to see his friend but almost heart- 
broken over his own misfortune. Both legs 
had been so badly crushed that amputation 
had been necessary and he was now a 
cripple for the rest of his days. 

Heinrich was greatly distressed at this 
unfortunate turn of affairs. He must now 
do every thing in his power to aid the suf- 

87 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

ferer in the hour of his affliction. Gladly 
would he accept the responsibility; yes, he 
would care for his friend until such time as 
he would be able to help himself. Together 
they planned. They would find a place to 
live, and as soon as Heinrich found employ- 
ment they would manage very nicely. 

"Heinrich," interrupted Carl as his friend 
was about to depart, "in yonder locker is a 
message from your brother Rudolph. He 
was unable to write you during the great 
war, so he asked me to deliver it to you." 

Eagerly the seal was broken and the con- 
tents read. It contained this plea: 

' ' Heinrich My Brother : Do not feel hard 
toward me for taking up arms against the 
' Fatherland.' When I came to the United 
States I resolved like thousands of our 
blood to become a loyal citizen. The call to 
arms must be answered by all who believe 
in human liberty. I but did my duty. It is 
the price all so situated must pay. I cannot 
hope to enjoy what I have not the courage 
to defend. God forbid we meet upon the 
field of battle. My one prayer is that we, at 
least, be spared this sacrifice. Should I die, 
my brother, and it should be your fate to 
live, come to America, and under the flag 1 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

now defend, find the peace and happiness 
denied to me." 

"Is there not another message, my 
friend?" asked Heinrich. 

"Only this," and he held out a govern- 
ment list of heroic dead among whose names 
appeared the word, "Rudolph." 

Hand clasped in hand the friends sat in 
silence. Sorrow, the great leveler, attunes 
our souls to the sufferings of others in order 
that we may appreciate the full meaning of 
human sympathy. Rudolph had gone before, 
but Heinrich was glad he died a defender of 
the Republic. And so each resolved, that 
they, like Rudolph, would loyally serve the 
flag and the government for which it stood. 

Returning to the district in which Carl 
had resided prior to the accident, Heinrich 
passed the yards of the East Coast Lumber 
Company. On the office door, he noticed a 
sign reading "Men Wanted." Despondent 
as he was over the events of the day, he 
realized that it was his duty to meet the 
issue bravely and squarely. Here was his 
opportunity, the one thing he most desired. 
"Was he not eager, strong and ready? Why 
hesitate? Did not his education fit him for 
advancement? Without further considera- 

89 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

tion he entered, applied for, and to his great 
joy, received his first employment in the 
United States. 

This was indeed fortunate. After supper 
he would write a long letter to Lena, then 
hasten to the hospital and tell Carl the great 
news. His friend would soon regain his 
health and strength. He would send for 
Lena. How easy it seemed, for now he would 
surely succeed. And one day he would have 
the little home, and there would be flowers, 
birds, trees, and happiness. 

The following morning he was astir long 
before a beam of sunlight, that wonderful 
harbinger of hope, had penetrated the sur- 
rounding gloom. His heart was heavy for 
Rudolph would never know how he had 
longed to see him. But he must not permit 
his grief to delay his plans ; today he was to 
begin the great struggle for success; today 
he would have need for all his determina- 
tion. He must be earnest. He must do his 
work quickly and well. He must be punc- 
tual and thus instill confidence which would 
lead to promotion. He would prove himself 
to be a good dependable workman and so 
earn the respect of his employer. 

Three days filled with conflicting emo- 
tions passed. Each night he talked with 

90 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Carl. They planned for the girl across the 
sea, and then Heinrich spoke of the soldier 
of the Marne, and his promise, made amid 
the roar and din of battle. As soon as pos- 
sible he would deliver the message. 

"Poor woman, " he said. "I feel very 
sorry for her. She is waiting, Carl, waiting 
for the boy who will never return. And 
while I must see her, I would rather again 
face the storm of shell and steel, than this 
boy's mother. " 

On the morning of the fifth day the un- 
looked for happened. A stranger entered 
the yard and crossing to where Heinrich 
was employed interrupted his labor with 
the abrupt command: "Come here, you." 

"What is it you wish?" asked Heinrich 
as he stood before his questioner. 

"Fork out your card." 

"I do not understand you, my friend. I 
have only been in this country a few days 
and I do not know what you mean." 

"I want your C.-C." 
"And what is a C.-C?" asked Heinrich. 
"Clearance card, you boob. Hurry up, 
come through." 
"I have no such card." 

91 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"So you are a rat, eh?" 
"Why do you call me a rat?" 

"Can the chatter; you can't work here; go 
get your time." 

"Do you mean I cannot work?" ex- 
claimed the startled man. 

"Got through the concrete, eh? Don't 
try to kid me. Only been in the country a 
few days? Why, you ain't even a citizen." 

"Are you?" 

"You can bet your sweet life I am." 

"My friend, I wish to become a citizen. 
My brother died for this flag; see, I have it 
here," and he proudly displayed the flag of 
the Marne, and was about to continue when 
the stranger interrupted with — 

"Can the chatter, that flag ain't gettin' ye 
anything here." 

' ' My friend, ' ' exclaimed Heinrich, ' l I have 
only been in your country but five days, and 
yet I know better than that. I was a soldier 
in the Austrian army; hold on, I know what 
you would say. But I want you to know that 
my brother came to this country many years 
ago. He fought under this flag. He did his 
duty even at the cost of his life. He fought 
for his, as I did for mine, we cannot be 

92 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

blamed for that. But let me tell you how I 
secured this flag. 

" During the battle of the Marne, in the 
early dawn, we crossed 'No Man's Land' 
and after crawling through a net work of 
wire, I fell into a shell hole, and upon the 
mangled body of a man. He was terribly 
wounded; I raised his head and placed my 
canteen to his lips. He smiled his gratitude 
and taking this flag from his breast, gave it 
to me. Then he attempted to speak but the 
roar of battle was so terrific I could not 
hear. Again I raised him in my arms, placed 
my ear to his lips and caught these words : 
4 Take this flag, Buddy, take it to my 
mother, you will find her address on the 
edge, by the stars, you won't forget? Just 
tell the boys I've gone — over the top — good 
bye.' 

"His words kindled anew my desire to 
live as he had died, a loyal citizen of the 
American Republic. I was weary of imperial 
dictation and oppression, so like my brother 
T crossed the sea. I have renounced the 
Fatherland and pledge my life in the de- 
fense of this flag and the government for 
which it stands." 

"Some spiel, but it don't mean anything, " 

93 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

interrupted the agent. "Gome on, get off 
the job." 

"But you did not employ me, I am — 
"So that's yer game, eh? Well we'll see 
about that, you come with me and see 
whose got the say about here, old man 
Gi-oodheart or me." Both men entered the 
office and fortunately found the President, 
Mr. Goodheart, at his desk. 

"'Morning chief," began the agent, 
"you'll have to shake this rat loose from 
his job." 

"Indeed? what rat?" 

"This guy here." 

"There must be some mistake. You know 
this is a union yard. I understood all ar- 
rangements had been made. I want to give 
this fellow a fighting chance." 

"Rules is rules, and he's got to go." 

"Have you seen my foreman?" 

"I'm dealing with you at present," re- 
plied the agent impatiently. 

"Then permit me to suggest a more civil 
tone and attitude." 

"Say, Goodheart, there are just two 
moves to make — fire him, or out go the 



men/ ' 



94 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"You are demanding of me one of the 
most un-American acts imaginable. I do not 
question your right to organize. But I do 
object to arbitrary demands; demands con- 
trary to the guaranteed privileges of citizen- 
ship, the inalienable right to 'life, liberty 
and happiness'." 

"This ain't no Chautauqua," vehemently 
answered the agent. "You know the rules 
and that's enough." 

"Hold on, Bill," exclaimed the foreman, 
who had just entered the office. "I'm from 
headquarters, so you take things easy. Mr. 
Goodheart, I've been a standin' out there 
in the hall for quite a bit, and if you don't 
mind, I'll take a hand in this conversation." 

"Go right ahead, Mr. Fairplay, you are 
always welcome, " replied the President. 

"Bill," continued the foreman, "I want 
you to listen to me, for I've a heap to say. 
While out there I heard every word you and 
the boss said, and I'm surprised, Bill, to say 
the least. This man you call a rat — " 

"What are you tryin' to do, Max? Make 
a monkey out o' me?" demanded the agent. 

"Continue to act as you have and you'll 
save me the trouble. You just hold your 
temper and you'll make no mistake. Just 

95 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

get this first off. I'm union, top, sides, bot- 
tom and middle and a little something be- 
sides. A good American citizen. Let me re- 
mind you, Bill, there's hundreds of thou- 
sands of men in the ranks of labor as proud 
of their union cards as they are of the flag 
of the United States, and that's goin' some." 

"You must not forget that a great ma- 
jority of the workers are trying to live up 
to the United States Constitution, and what 
is more to the point, we are going to see that 
every one else does. We have just dis- 
covered that the closer we stick to that 
document, the firmer we are going to estab- 
lish Union Labor. We have in many cases 
made the mistake of being unjust to our fel- 
low worker. And just because he did not 
agree with us on every point we used a 
rock, instead of reason. We called him a rat, 
when we knew he was a man. When we dis- 
covered a worker without a card, we 
roughed him, without thinkin' of the cost." 

" Experience has made us human, we are 
agoin' to see that he understands; we're 
goin' to see that he gets the right idea. He's 
goin' to learn something. He's goin' to learn 
that bein' loyal to his union, means also 
bein' loyal to the government. In our 
anxiety we got things a bit twisted; 

96 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

that's all. We demanded justice from the 
government instead of demanding justice 
for the government. We're the government, 
Bill, you and me, and all the rest of us. Now 
this bein' so, if we obey the law as well as 
enforce it, we win." 

"Say where do you get that stuff? I — " 
"Hold on, Bill, don't hurry me," con- 
tinued the foreman, "I said I had a heap to 
say and I want to get it off my chest. Now 
I take it that you intended to force this man 
off his job. Why didn't you take the time 
to explain it to him?" 

"Now I want him to get the right idea re- 
spectin' the union, as well as our relation- 
ship to the government. I want him to know 
he was right when he looked to the flag for 
justice. I want him to know that union men, 
to a man, are loyal to the same flag you 
slighted a moment ago; you may have 
done it unintentionally, carelessly, but you 
slighted it just the same. Now you must not 
forget, that labor's sons manned the ships 
and filled the ranks; not forgettin' the 
mothers and fathers, wives and sisters, who 
rallied to their support." 

"So you were dead wrong when you told 
him that the flag would get him nothin'; 

97 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

you made a big mistake, and I'm fair enough 
to think, that deep in your heart you didn't 
mean it. Why, man, our faith in that flag 
must never be destroyed, at least not by one 
claiming to be a citizen of the Republic." 

"Bill, I gave my boy to make this a bet- 
ter country, not a selfish one. And I'm not 
goin' to let any man comin' to this country 
prove himself a better citizen than I am. In 
memory of my boy, I have determined to 
help this man to citizenship. He in turn 
must not forget, that if he is to be allowed 
to enjoy the protection of this flag, he must 
swear to love, honor and defend it, or labor 
will see to it, that he re-embarks on the first 
vessel sailing for the other side." 

"Well, I had to do my duty, didn't It* 
broke in the agent. 

"Sure you did, but you went about it in 
the wrong way. We can't expect to ram our 
idea down the throats of men, any more 
than we will submit to the same process. 
Bill, labor is thinking today as never before, 
and as one of 'em I've been wondering how 
many strikes there 'd be, if the salaries of 
the men responsible for them, were to be 
stopped the moment they were called." 

"I don't see where — " 

98 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"Sure you don't, Bill, but you will. When 
this chap applied to me for work, I asked 
him for his credentials. He told me he had 
none. I found he had only been in this 
country a few hours, and bein' short handed 
I put him to work, with the understanding 
that he would make immediate application 
for membership in the local. This he agreed 
to do. I have just received his C.-C. duly 
signed by the steward and here it is." 

"Why didn't you say so before?" 

"Why didn't you take the same interest 
that I did? Give every man a square deal 
and you'll prevent an awful lot of sor- 
row. My idea is to make the union so at- 
tractive that no man could be found without 
a card. Come, let's shake hands all around 
and call it a day. ' ' 

Relieved at the happy turn of affairs, 
Heinrich did not notice the proffered hand 
of the foreman. He was thinking of Lena, of 
his friend and the unmarked grave in 
France. When he no longer heard voices, he 
raised his eyes and saw the extended hand. 
Gratefully he accepted the other's friendly 
grasp, as he did so he unconsciously dropped 
me, the flag of the Marne to the floor. 

Heinrich turned to thank his employer, 
and then extended his hand to Bill. As he 

99 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

moved toward the door, the foreman stooped 
and picking me up crossed to Heinrich and 
laying his hand upon his shoulder said, 
"You are all right boy, don't weaken. Keep 
alive your faith in this flag; believe in it, 
and you will make no mistake. The road to 
citizenship lies beneath its folds and is 
straight ahead. Here take this; you dropped 
it as we shook hands a moment ago." 

Suddenly the eyes of the foreman fell 
upon my silken folds. He staggered back 
exclaiming, "Speak man, tell me where did 
you get this flag?" 

Heinrich related the story of the shell 
hole at the Marne. All listened with 
rapt attention. At its conclusion the fore- 
man, with trembling fingers pointed to the 
name written on the edge of my silken 
folds. Then sank upon his knees, tears 
streaming down his furrowed cheeks as he 
muttered: "My poor boy, my poor boy. She 
waited for you, and now you're home with 
mother, and I am here alone, boy, alone." 



100 



NARRATIVE XL 



iiiiiifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiimiimiiiiiMiiiiiiiimmiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiii 

To doubt your country is to doubt your- 
self. Practice justice, loyalty and pa^ 
tience. Patience in the performance of 
your duty, justice toward your fellow man, 
and loyalty to your God, your country and 
your flag. 

Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 



NARRATIVE XI. 

I WILL return to Lena and give you, dear 
reader, a passing glimpse of what hap- 
pened to me, and at the same time relate 
the strange adventure that was the direct 
cause of a remarkable union. Truth is a 
wonderful chronicler, and therefore re- 
sponsible for much of our romance. 

No sooner had Heinrich departed for the 
United States than Lena's only relative, a 
maiden aunt, sickened and died. An ac- 
quaintance, in an effort to befriend the un- 
fortunate girl, obtained employment for her 
in a near-by city, where she cheerfully 
labored, while awaiting the anticipated 
message from Heinrich. 

For a time letters arrived with regu- 
larity; then suddenly grew less in number, 
and at times difficult to understand. The 
last few appeared to be written by another 
hand. It was evident that something had 
happened and many anxious days and 
nights followed this discovery. 

Many times Lena would sigh in her sleep 
and call out for Heinrich. One night, while 
seated by the open window I distinctly felt 

103 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

a tear fall upon my silken sheen. I knew her 
heart was saddened and that she could not 
stand the suspense much longer. 

In my restricted surroundings it was im- 
possible for me to keep an accurate record 
of time, therefore I am unable to positively 
state just how long Lena waited for an 
answer to her appeal for the truth. But I do 
remember that one spring morning there 
came a letter that caused immediate 
preparations for the trip across the sea. 
"Dear little flag," she said, "Heinrich may 
be ill, in danger perhaps ; so we are going to 
the United States together and I know we 
shall find him. ' ' 

Not many weeks later we arrived, and 
presented ourselves at the office of the East 
Coast Lumber Company. Here Lena was 
told that Heinrich had been made foreman 
of one of the company's lumber camps in 
Wisconsin. Mr. Coodheart, the President, 
was expected at any .moment, and assur- 
ance given that he would be glad to see her 
as he was very fond of Heinrich. Before 
Lena could question her informant further, 
the office door opened and Mr. Goodheart 
entered. When informed that Lena, the be- 
trothed of Heinrich had arrived he gave the 
anxious girl a cordial welcome. How fortu- 

104 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

nate she was; how kind every one had been 
to her; now she would learn of Heinrich and 
the mystery would soon be explained. Ten- 
derly she drew me from out her reticule and 
pressed me to her lips saying, "Dear little 
flag, my faith in you will never, never die." 

"So this is Lena/' interrupted Mr. Good- 
heart; "there, don't blush; he has spoken of 
you so often that I really feel as if I knew 
you. But tell me, does Heinrich know of 
your arrival?" 

"I am afraid not; perhaps I should not 
have come, but his letters worried me; they 
did not appear to have been written by him. 
I did not understand, and I feared some- 
thing had happened." 

"So you concluded to investigate; you 
were quite right; you know nothing of his 
injury?" 

"Injury?" repeated the girl slowly, "in- 
jury? Heinrich? He is hurt? Oh please, 
please tell me?" 

"It is nothing serious my good girl," 
quickly replied Mr. Goodheart, "compose 
yourself my child. He unfortunately frac- 
tured his arm; nothing more, I assure you. 
That is the reason his letters were in an- 
other hand; others attempted to help him." 

10s 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"And lie would not tell meV 

"He did not wish to worry you, and man- 
like adopted the wrong course. Under the 
same circumstances I am afraid I should 
have made the same mistake." 

"I suppose you are anxious to see Hein- 
ricM No more I warrant, than he is to see 
you. If you will be good enough to return 
this afternoon at five o'clock, we will start 
you for the Wisconsin woods." 

After a very grateful and happy girl had 
left the office President Goodheart sent for 
his foreman and, returning to his desk, 
picked up a telegram which had been lying 
upon a pile of letters face down and again 
read it carefully. 

"By George this is unfortunate," he 
mused. "And the girl here; came all these 
anxious miles to find him seriously injured; 
perhaps dead." Calling his secretary, Mr. 
Goodheart dictated the following telegram: 

"Masterson: Spare no expense, if it is 
within the power of money to save his life, 
save it." 

"You sent for me?" asked the foreman as 
he hastily entered the office. 

"I did, Max, read this." 

106 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

"Heinrich crushed by a falling tree, hope 
to save his life. — Masterson. It can't be 
true, Mr. Goodheart, surely, it can't be 
truer' 

"And to make matters worse," replied 
the president, "the girl is here." 

"Lena?" exclaimed the astonished fore- 
man. 

"Yes, she is to return at five o'clock for 
her transportation." 

"Then she knows?" 

"Not yet." 

"Mr. Goodheart, do me a favor sir, I want 
my vacation now." 

"T can't let you go Max, at this time, that 
shipment — " 

"I want my vacation now, please Mr. 
Goodheart," insisted the determined man. 

"Is it so very important to you?" 

"It is sir. Don't you recall the story of the 
Austrian soldier who found my — my boy? 
He made death easy for him. It's my duty 
sir; my boy would expect it." 

"Transportation for two will be here at 
five o'clock. Max, I am proud of you; the 
shipment can wait, I will wire Masterson 
immediately that you and the girl are on the 
way. It may help the boy to know this." 

107 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Following the departure came the anx- 
ious trip to the forests of Wisconsin; the 
drive through the timber; the arrival at the 
camp, and the joyous meeting of Heinrich 
and Lena. 

It may have been the careful nursing of 
Lena and Max; it may have been that 
powerful incentive, love; or was it the re- 
sult of the lesson of loyalty taught by me, 
for Heinrich rapidly regained both health 
and strength. 

Some months after Max had returned to 
his post as foreman of the East Coast Lum- 
ber Company's yards, a new western man- 
ager took charge of the Wisconsin interests* 
His name was Heinrich and at a comfort- 
able desk in the office sits the crippled Carl. 
I have only to add that Heinrich and Lena 
were married, and on their first anniversary 
a small package was received. 

It contained a little silk flag, accompanied 
by this note : 

"My Dear Friends: Please accept this 
bit of silk, in memory of one who died for 
humanity. Like the stars of this little flag, 
remain loyal to each other. Teach your chil- 
dren to revere their God, and faithfully 
serve the nation and its flag. Teach them to 

108 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

respect and remember all who died in the 
service of their country. It is your duty and 
mine, in so far as it lies in our power, to see 
that the future of these United States be 
made as secure as the love you honor. Let 
this flag direct your wandering feet safely 
through life's thorny path, to the portals of 
the Master's sanctuary, is the humble 
prayer of 

"Your Sincere Friend, 

"MAXFAIRPLAY." 



109 



NARRATIVE XII. 



(iiii]ii]iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiii:ii]iii 

It was the Flag of the United States, 
more than any other agency, that inspired 
the founders of the Republic to defend the 
priceless privileges enjoyed today. The 
Flag makes possible freedom of thought 
and action. The Flag guarantees to all 
people, obedient to the lavj, justice and 
protection. The Flag is, and ever will be, 
the mighty force that directs our falter- 
ing steps toward the heights of national 
greatness. 

1 1 ! 1 3 1 ) 1 1 1 1 ] 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 i S j f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 3 1 1 i 1 1 



NARRATIVE XII. 

I AM the Flag of the United States. It is 
therefore my duty to remind you of the 
many efforts of the founders of the Re- 
public who, "in order to form a more per- 
fect Union, establish Justice, insure domes- 
tic Tranquility, provide for the common de- 
fense, promote the general Welfare, and se- 
cure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves 
and our Posterity, did ordain and establish, 
' the United States of America, a govern- 
ment/ instituted among those deriving their 
just powers from the consent of the gov- 
erned." 

I am also the law, the force, the power, 
that rests in the hands of a tolerant people. 

Are you aware that I was ten years old 
before Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New 
Jersey ratified the Constitution of the 
United States? Eleven, when the same ac- 
tion was taken by Georgia, Connecticut, 
Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, 
New Hampshire, Virginia, and New York? 
Twelve, when North Carolina acquiesced, 
and thirteen when Rhode Island finally de- 
cided to become a part of the Union? 

113 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

I was born June 14th, 1777 and the Con- 
stitution of the United States of America 
was not ratified by the required number of 
colonies until 1788, eleven years later. 

At this writing, June 14th, 1921, I am ex- 
actly one hundred and forty-four years of 
age. During this period I have enjoyed ex- 
ceptional opportunities for observation. 
Many times I have had occasion to wonder 
if my defenders, the people whom I repre- 
sent, are as proud of me as I am to symbo- 
lize the principles of self-government? 

I float from your National and State 
Buildings; your schools, factories and 
shops ; I am found in the home and church, 
fraternal hall and club; your courts of 
justice, jury rooms, asylums; your orphan 
homes and reformatories — yes, your prisons. 
I am not a stranger to your cemeteries. 
Look for me where you will, at home or 
abroad; in village, town or city; on the sea, 
in the air, north, south, east or west; encircle 
the earth itself; you will find me every- 
where. 

From an exalted position on the staff of a 
mighty edifice, or in the sweltering tene- 
ment, I treat all alike. Many times I have 
cried aloud for justice; for peace and har- 
mony among men. I seek to influence the 

114 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

children, for too well I know that one day 
my safety will rest entirely in their hands. 

I have had many strange and humiliating 
experiences and their recurrence would be 
impossible were the simple rules of conduct 
toward me generally known and observed. 
A knowledge of national regulation and 
usage would certainly add to the dignity of 
my position. 

Why should it be difficult to realize that I 
cannot, in justice to the founders of the Be- 
public, favor class or creed? 

Why should it be necessary to emphasize 
the fact that I represent all the people and 
it is therefore not unreasonable to expect 
all people to honor and defend, not alone me, 
but the government represented in my 
Stars and Stripes. 

Is there a legitimate excuse for any one 
to raise me to the top of a staff, and then 
deliberately abandon me to the mercy of 
the elements? 

Why am I, time and time again, allowed 
to be whipped and torn by the gale ; blistered 
and faded by the sun; drenched by torrential 
rains, until I hang a discolored rag, stripped 
of my splendor, and ignominiously deserted. 
Again and again has the halyard to which I 

lis 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

have been fastened, snapped in the storm 
and I have fallen to the roof or street, 
utterly destroyed. 

Recall, dear reader, the countless times 
you have observed me nailed or tacked to 
this, or tied to that; draped inside or out- 
side; hind-end too; upside down; anywhere, 
anyhow, without respect or consideration. 

I have hung, pinned to the steel work of 
an elevator shaft and freely spattered with 
the grease and grime of working cables. I 
have served as window shade and shelf 
paper upon which have been placed every- 
thing from stale fish to rusty nails. In many 
cases I have been plastered with advertising 
matter of every conceivable character. 

I have been tied to the tail-gate of a 
wagon, jerked over highway and street on 
the side of sled and cart, through dust and 
mud, I have served as rosette, festoon and 
table cloth; draped over chair and bench at 
ceremonials and review^ ; hung over and un- 
der, horizontally and vertically, and at every 
conceivable angle. 

I have decorated penny candy, toy bal- 
loons, chewing gum, writing pads, copy 
books, envelopes, business cards, and vari- 
ous forms of advertising. I have adorned 

116 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

mule, horse and vehicle; served as awning 
and sunshade, and covered the hood, top, 
sides or end of an automobile. 

I have been carried in innumerable 
parades, waved in the faces of cheering 
thousands, only to be thrown away at the 
end of the march by thoughtless bearers 
who gave little heed of the respect due me. 

I have been painted upon, sat upon, aj^e, 
stood upon, and cut to suit the ignorant 
fancy of a freakish mind. I have been en- 
twined about spokes and hubs of bicycle and 
wagon, as well as the running gear of every 
known vehicle, from locomotive to wheel- 
barrow. 

I have been tied to dog collar and tail; 
used as a blanket for horses, goats, ele- 
phants and monkeys; embroidered on sofa 
cushions, and used as a foot or head rest. 

I have served as a belt about a prize 
fighter's middle, emblazoned on a pocket 
handkerchief to mop a dripping nose. I 
have beautified fans, hat ribbons, stockings, 
shirts and neckties. And even exhibited at 
a fancy dress ball as a patch on the seat of a 
comedy pair of pants. 

How long, Oh citizens of the United 

States of America, must I submit to such 

indignities % 

117 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Do you not think it is time to know that I 
should be raised at sunrise and lowered at 
sunset ? That I should never be draped over 
a bench or chair, especially below a person 
seated? All should remember that I am not 
to be hung upside down, or wrong end to. 
When I am printed as an illustration in any 
manner, see to it that my staff is so placed 
that I will invariably fly to the right. Bear 
in mind that I must at all times, and in all 
places, float to the right of all other flags, 
domestic or foreign. When used on Memor- 
ial Day, remember that I am to remain at 
half staff until noon, then raise me to top of 
staff until sunset. 

When necessary to fly me at half staff 
hoist me in a decorous manner to peak or 
top of staff, pause an instant and then slow- 
ly lower me to position. When at half staff 
and you wish to lower, first hoist me to peak 
of staff, then lower me in a dignified man- 
ner, being careful not to trail me on roof or 
ground. Please do not roll me in a ball and 
hoist me before unfurling. 

Never drive a nail or tack in or through 
any part of me. When I am torn, faded, old, 
with loving hands consign me to the flames. 
Let my spirit mingle with the free air of 

118 % 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Heaven, rather than the festering muck of 
alley or street. 

Never hoist me when torn, until I have 
been repaired. Never hang me where I can 
be easily soiled or damaged. Do not drape 
me over arch or doorway; never allow me to 
be carelessly thrown into some corner. And 
please, please, if you love me, do not leave 
me out over night, or display me in stormy 
weather, unless it is absolutely unavoidable. 

Do not festoon me ; I should always hang 
free. Do not tie me in a knot; there is plenty 
of red, white and blue material that can be 
used for decorating purposes, and it is ex- 
tremely bad taste so to abuse me. Never let 
me cover a speaker's desk or table. The only 
thing that can be placed upon me with pro- 
priety is the Holy Bible, signifying the sub- 
mission of the Nation to God alone. When 
I am used in unveiling a statue or monu- 
ment do not allow me to fall to the ground; 
see that I am carried aloft, where I mav 
wave free, and do not raise me with any 
mechanical device. 

When I am raised at ceremonials, all 
present should stand; if covered, remove 
hat. Better still, salute with right hand. 
When I pass in review or on parade remove 
your hat and stand in a respectful attitude. 

119 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

If seated and I am passing, arise and un- 
cover; recollect you are not honoring me 
alone, but the government I symbolize and 
of which you are a part. 

The playing or singing of "The Star 
Spangled Banner/' should bring all to their 
feet, remaining in this position until the air 
is finished. Always face the musicians or 
singers. The National Anthem should not 
be used as the part of a medley or played for 
the dispersing of an assembly. Applause at 
the conclusion of the "Anthem" is decided- 
ly and absolutely out of place. 

Permit me to emphasize the need for 
knowledge in regard to my use in decora- 
tions of every character. An intelligent ef- 
fort will prevent injustice and misunder- 
standing. It will certainly add to the effec- 
tiveness of one's desire to elevate, and not 
lower, my value as the symbol of our Fed- 
eral Union. 

When I am displayed it is well to bear in 
mind that I should be suspended from a 
mast or staff. But if I am to be hung as a 
banner across a thoroughfare, see that I 
float free and that my field of blue hangs 
toward the North, in treets running East 
and West; and to the East, in streets run- 
ning North and South. 

120 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Do not make the common error of sus- 
pending me horizontally and then drape me 
in the centre. Just bear this in mind. I am 
the Flag of the United States, and not a tri- 
colored piece of cloth to be used any how, 
any place, any time. 

When I am hung vertically to be viewed 
from one side only, my stars should be to 
the right as you face me, and when used in 
company with other flags, please place me 
to the right of all others. The military right 
of a building is to your right as you leave 
the structure from its principal exit. When 
I am worn on the person let me appear 
modestly on the left breast or lapel and 
above every other insignia. 

Never permit faded or worn out flags to 
be used as banners or for secondary pur- 
poses. Defend me I beg of you from the 
avaricious unpatriotic profiteer, who would 
paint, print, or attach to me some form of 
advertising. Determinedly refuse to pur- 
chase any article using me for gain. Empha- 
size your contempt for the man or woman 
who slightingly refers to, or abuses and 
misuses the flag of your country. 

Be not ashamed to honor me. I am the 
symbol of the majesty of the Republic. I 

121 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

am the emblem of the Power of its united 
citizenship. 

The true patriot sees in my stars and bars, 
not a flag, but the mighty principles repre- 
sented within my folds; not an insignia, but 
history, force, justice, tolerance and love; 
not a convenience, but the sturdy champion 
of right, the fearless defender of the op- 
pressed. To all who believe in me, I am the 
glorious vision of eternal hope, illuminating 
the darkness of ignorance and superstition; 
the essence of human liberty and progress; 
the foundation of the national character, 
and positive assurer of the perpetuity of 
self-government. 



122 



NARRATIVE XIII. 



miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiimiiiif iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 

A proper understanding of the Flag of 
the United States will strengthen the na- 
tional character. 

To know the Flag of Our Country is a 
necessity; to appreciate it, a duty. 

iiiimiiiimiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 



NARRATIVE XIII. 

IN THE preceding narratives I have pre- 
sented many rules bearing upon hoisting, 
lowering, carrying, displaying or saluting 
me. I feel that I should go a step further 
and give you at least a passing glimpse of 
the professional side of my life. I have 
every reason to believe that every well- 
meaning citizen will appreciate the oppor- 
tunity of acquainting himself or herself, 
with the rules and regulations promulgated 
for my welfare by the Department of War. 

The following excerpts will convince you 
that there are many things concerning the 
colors that should be universally known, and 
the reader will no doubt be impressed with 
the fact, that a well informed American 
citizen adds to the stability of society. 

Professionally, I bear the following de- 
partmental designations: " Garrison/ ' 
"Post," "Storm," " Recruiting, " "Serv- 
ice," "Regimental," "Field Artillery," 
and "Battallion of Signal Corps," flags. 
While my form does not change materially, 
I appear in several sizes under the designa- 
tions mentioned. I am speaking in profes- 

125 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

sional terms in the hope that the reader 
will recognize the necessity of co-operation 
with the government and in this way we 
can the better understand our relationship. 

I shall first take up the matter of sizes, 
and I must again remind you that I am deal- 
ing with the Army, or professional side of 
my life. No matter what my dimensions, 
whether made of paper, cotton, linen, bunt- 
ing, or silk, if I possess the thirteen alter- 
nate stripes of red and white and the blue 
field adorned with forty-eight five-pointed 
white stars, I am the Mag of the United 
States and should be, nay, must be, accord- 
ed the respect, confidence and love of loyal, 
appreciative people. 

"But to return to my subject. 

1 ' Garrison, ' ' " Post, " " Storm, ' ' and 
"Service," flags being in constant use are 
made of wool bunting, because of the ability 
of this material to withstand the ravages of 
the elements. 

The "Garrison" flag is one of the largest 
of government standards, having a length, 
or fly, of thirty feet and a width, or hoist of 
twenty. This is raised only on holidays and 
other important occasions and is usually 
displayed on a staff or mast seventy-five to 

126 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

one hundred feet in height. But if such a 
one is not available, one of approximately 
fifty feet will answer. 

As "Post" flag I am nineteen feet long 
and ten feet wide, and am used in pleasant 
weather. As a "Storm" flag I am reduced 
in size, having a fly of but nine feet six 
inches and a hoist of five feet. In this form 
I am better adapted for use in turbulent 
weather, and during the long vigil at the 
grave of Francis Scott Key and in our Na- 
tional Cemeteries. 

When engaged in "Recruiting" I appear 
in two sizes, commonly designated as 
"large" and "small." As the former I have 
a fly of nine feet six inches and a hoist of 
five feet; as the latter, a fly of four feet six 
inches and a hoist of two and thirty-seven 
hundredths of a foot. As a "Service" flag 
I am used for drills and marches and all 
duties other than battles and occasions of 
ceremony. 

Regiments of Infantry, Engineers, and 
Artillery Corps, are entitled to National 
flags of silk. Such standards have a fly of 
five feet six inches and a hoist of four feet 
four inches. The union of this particular 
flag is two feet six inches in length and like 
unions of all United States flags, extends 

127 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

downward from the top of the flag to the 
lower edge of the fourth red stripe. The 
forty-eight white silk stars are embroidered 
on both sides of the field, and the outer edge 
of the colors, with the exception of the 
hoist, is embellished with a fringe of knotted 
yellow silk and two and a half inches in 
width. 

When carried I am mounted on a pike or 
staff nine feet in length, including spear- 
head and ferrule. Such official designations 
as name of regiment, corps, battle records 
and other appropriate events are not to be 
painted or embroidered on any part of the 
flag. But engraven upon a band of silver 
fastened to pike or staff. 

Mounted Engineers, Cavalry Regiments, 
Field Artillery and Battalions of the Signal 
Corps are also entitled to national colors of 
silk and as they are to be carried by mounted 
men, I am slightly reduced in size to facili- 
tate my use in this service, I have a fly of 
four feet and a hoist of three, mounted on a 
nine-foot lance, including spearhead and 
ferrule. My field is also proportionally 
smaller being twenty-two inches long and 
extending downward, as in other United 
States flags. Trimming, stars and the plac- 
ing of designations to be observed precisely 

128 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

the same as for other service standards. 

Silken flags of the United States are to 
be carried in battles and on all occasions of 
ceremony. When not in use I am kept in 
dust and water-proof cases. 

Service colors of bunting or other suitable 
material are in all respects similar to the 
colors of silk, but are to be used at drills and 
no marches and all service other than battles 
and ceremonials. 



129 



NARRATIVE XIV. 



miiiiitiiiiimimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmmimiHiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiimiiiimi 

About the altar of unity and service, 
upon which rests the Flag we love, a tol- 
erant people should kneel in grateful re- 
membrance. Upon this hallowed spot let 
all acclaim, again and again, their undy- 
ing faith in the Constitution of the United 
States, and a determination to obey its be- 
hests. 

iiiiimiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinimimiiiiiiiiimiiiiiii 



I 



NARRATIVE XIV. 

HAVE noticed that many citizens, men 
and women of standing in their respec- 
tive communities, repeatedly neglect to 
recognize or acknowledge me as I pass in 
review or parade. You may well judge of 
my surprise when I discovered that they 
wore on waist or coat the insignia of well 
known patriotic fraternities. Is it possible 
they are ignorant of the courtesy due the 
Flag of their country? Or do they deliber- 
ately withhold the gracious salutation? I 
am charitable enough to believe it careless- 
ness on their part rather than a determined 
effort to humiliate me. But after the citizen 
has been informed he should be sincere 
enough to pay me the respect due, or be 
subjected to well merited criticism, by some 
one qualified to defend the principle in- 
volved. 

The reason for and manner of salutes will 
probably make an attractive addition to this 
narrative and I will now devote a few words 
to the various forms of this civility. 

The National salue is made by firing 
twenty-one guns. The salute to the "Union" 

133 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

is one gun for each State and is given at 
noon on the Fourth of July at every Post 
provided with suitable artillery. Its pur- 
pose is to commemorate the signing of the 
Declaration of Independence. I am always 
displayed during this important ceremonial. 

All officers and enlisted men passing the 
uncased colors, if in uniform, covered or un- 
covered, but not in formation, will salute 
with weapon carried. If unarmed or in 
civilian dress, covered or uncovered, with 
right hand salute. 

At every military post or station I am 
hoisted on the first note of the "Reveille," 
or on the first note of a march, if a band be 
present. I am lowered at the sounding of 
the last note of "Retreat" and while de- 
scending, the band, should there be one, will 
play the "National Anthem." If there 
should be no band, the field music will sound 
"To the Colors." 

Should the "National Anthem" be played 
at any place where persons belonging to the 
military service are present, all officers and 
enlisted men, not in formation, shall stand 
at attention, facing the music. The same 
rule applies to sounding "Retreat" with the 
exception, that all face the Flag in the ab- 
sence of the band. 

134 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

It might be well to emphasize one rule 
that has to mj knowledge been broken on 
many occasions. When the " National 
Anthem" is rendered it should be played 
through without " variation, or the repeti- 
tion of any part not required to be repeated 
to make it complete." 

Foreign ships of war, when entering a 
harbor or passing fortifications, display at 
their mainmast the Flag of the country in 
whose waters they are, and salute it. At the 
conclusion of this courtesy, a salute of the 
same number of guns will be promptly re- 
turned. Failure to observe this rule is re- 
garded as an unfriendly act justifying an 
explanation. 

When one devotes a few moments to re- 
trospection, many truths force themselves 
upon the startled vision. Usually some sim- 
ple fact is all the more remarkable because 
it has heretofore escaped attention. 

Here is one of those interesting bits of 
history. It was not until July 24th, 1866, 
that General Benjamin F. Butler caused to 
be made the first Flag of the United States 
wholly of American materials by American 
workmen and machinery. 

135 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Another remarkable fact is, I have never 
entered a National conflict without altera- 
tion. 

In our first misunderstanding with the 
Mother Country, my alternate stripes of red 
and white totaled thirteen, and the same 
number of five-pointed white stars graced 
my field of blue. 

The War of 1812 our second struggle with 
Great Britain, found me with fifteen white 
stars, five rows of three in each row, and 
eight red and seven white stripes. 

When the Army of Occupation lead by 
Generals Taylor and Scott entered Mexico 
in 1846 my stars had increased to twenty- 
five and my stripes reduced to their original 
number. 

During the titantic struggle for the 
preservation of the Union, eleven States at- 
tempted to withdraw their stars from my 
field of blue. Abraham Lincoln retained 
them in spite of this action, and, throughout 
the bloody period my thirty-four stars and 
thirteen stripes led the Federal Troops to 
victory. Before the conclusion of hostilities, 
however, two new stars, representing West 
Virginia and Nevada were added. 

The conflict with Spain in 1898 was 

136 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

fought under forty-five stars and the requi- 
site number of stripes. 

During the World War, forty-eight stars 
beautified my blue field and these together 
with my alternate stripes of red and white 
symbolized the righteous aims of the heroic 
citizens of the Republic who determindedly 
battled to maintain a government devoted 
to Justice and brotherly love. 

We must remember that we who live are 
the beneficiaries — we enjoy the results of 
the sacrifices made by the builders of the 
Republic. We should devote our lives and 
energies to carrying out the wishes of the 
founders of self-government. We cannot 
escape this responsibility without the loss of 
our self respect. We must leave nothing un- 
done in our day and hour that would retard 
the onward march of that government and 
its peoples. 

Let us therefore resolve to seek no more 
than we are willing to give. This will not 
alone insure our success but make certain 
the prosperity and happiness of our whole 
country. In the home, the church, the 
school, office, shop, and field, let all accept 
the responsibilities of an exalted citizen- 
ship, a duty, we must not in Justice to our- 
selves evade. 

137 



NARRATIVE XV. 



■Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 

Be not ungrateful toward our honored 
dead. Their reward must be an imperish- 
able place in the hearts of a responsive 
people. Prove your patriotism by your 
memory of them. Let their sacrifice in- 
spire us to make certain they did not die 
in vain. 

To those who live, weakened, scarred and 
torn, we owe a greater obligation. In ac- 
cepting their young manhood we pledged 
our sacred honor. We would gladly pay. 
Today the account is due. We cannot 
quibble over the settlement; we cannot es- 
cape the responsibility. We dare not. 

I i I i 1 1 i i II I [1 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 It II I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ i t f I If I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 111 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 ■ 1 1 i t II ■ II] II 1 1 II 1 1 1 1 1 1 







NARRATIVE XV. 

N MEMOEIAL DAY, May 30th of each 
year, at all army posts, I, the Mag of the 
United States am displayed at half mast 
from sunrise until mid-day. Immediately 
at 12 M., the band or field music will play 
appropriate selections, while a national 
salute of twenty-one guns is fired. At the 
conclusion of this tribute, I am raised to the 
top of the staff where I am to remain until 
sunset. 

After being hoisted to peak, if band be 
present, one or two patriotic airs are usually 
rendered and in this simple manner a testi- 
monial of respect is paid our heroic dead, in 
grateful remembrance of their devotion to 
their country. 

It may be interesting to know that the 
colors of a regiment should not be placed in 
mourning or draped, except under instruc- 
tions from the War Department. When so 
ordered, two streamers of crepe, seven feet 
long and twelve inches wide, are attached 
to the ferrule below the spear. 

This covers the important regulations 
relating to me and I have reproduced them 

141 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

for the purpose of emphasizing the need for 
a thorough knowledge of the rules of con- 
duct toward me, the Mag of Your Country. 
I also believe, that I am at this time, justi- 
fied in defending Memorial Day. 

Why should it be necessary to make a de- 
fense, you ask? In answer to this question 
I am forced to say that my experiences dur- 
ing the past one hundred and forty-four 
years have made me tremble. I fear we look 
altogether too lightly upon the memory of 
the men who have made possible this mar- 
velous Republic. I fear that in our great 
prosperity we forget the little things that 
make our lives sincere and beautiful. 

Is it elevating to select this day for jubi- 
lation? Is it an hour for merriment? Must 
we celebrate it as a boisterous holiday? I do 
not advocate long and mournful faces; we 
get our share in any event; but it does seem 
to me that it would be eminently fitting, 
were we to make it a serious business, this 
recalling and honoring the memory of our 
sacred dead. 

The truth is, that it is a patriotic duty; 
yes, a personal and collective duty and one 
that must receive the earnest consideration 
of the people. A quiet observance of the 
day will work little hardship. We can, with- 

142 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

out loss to the national character, show by 
our deeds, sincerely and honestly, our deep 
appreciation of the service and sacrifice of 
those who have gone before, by respectfully 
remembering this day. 

It is well for us that we do not wander 
too far from the doctrine of right. It will 
do us no harm to increase our respect for 
every son of liberty who died, that we 
might enjoy the fruits of his self-sacrifice. 
Forget it if you will, but thousands sleep in 
unknown graves, and in memory of these, 
if nothing more, let this day be consecrated. 

Be eager, my friend, to emulate the un- 
selfish service to humanity, rendered by the 
Pounders and Defenders of the Union. 
Strive to become well-balanced, thoughtful 
citizens, in practice and theory. Cultivate a 
greater love for this, your country and 
mine. Such a resolve will serve to strength- 
en the fibre of the individual and to insure 
a stability and loyalty in the hearts of the 
people, who must be ever ready to serve the 
nation and its flag. 



143 



NARRATIVE XVI. 



HllllllllllllllfllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllUUII 

The manner in which the Flag of the 
United States is displayed proves the abil- 
ity of the citizen to properly observe the 
wishes of his Government. 

Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 



NARRATIVE XVI. 

I AM SUEE you will recognize, that as the 
official flag of the United States, my 
Union contains forty-eight white five-point- 
ed stars, arranged in six rows of eight stars 
in each row, and each star represents a 
Commonwealth ratifying the Constitution 
and received into the sisterhood of States. 

The " Union Jack" is my blue field con- 
taining the forty-eight stars, and when 
used as a flag, has a special significance. 
Ships at anchor may fly this part of me 
from the "Jack Staff" at the bow of the 
vessel, from sunrise to sunset. When ap- 
pearing on the foremast, it calls for a pilot. 
It is permissible to fire a gun to attract at- 
tention to this signal. 

When floating from the "Mizzen Mast" 
or yard arm it denotes a general court mar- 
tial, or court of inquiry is in session. Diplo- 
matic officers in the service of the United 
States, above the rank of charge d'affaires, 
when paying an official visit afloat, are 
privileged to use the " Union Jack" on the 
staff at the vessel's bow. 

147 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Yachts may also display a " Union Jack" 
while at anchor, if hoisted on a " Jack Staff" 
between 8 A. M., and sunset, providing 
washed clothes are not " triced up." 

My thirteen alternate red and white 
stripes represent the original States. In the 
years gone by it was said that the top red 
stripe represented the most northern colony, 
and the bottom stripe the one farthest south; 
the others in their geographical order. 

Another reading of the stripes is given, 
but not authoritatively. It is stated that the 
top stripe was given to Delaware, the first 
colony to ratify the Constitution of the 
United States; the second to Pennsylvania; 
the third, to New Jersey; the fourth, to 
Georgia; the fifth, to Connecticut; the sixth, 
to Massachusetts; the seventh, to Maryland; 
the eighth, to South Carolina; the ninth, to 
New Hampshire; the tenth, to Virginia; the 
eleventh, to New York ; the twelfth, to North 
Carolina, and the thirteenth, to Rhode 
Island. 

Still another suggestion for my seven red 
and six white stripes would be a graceful 
compliment to the original colonies as well 
as the commemoration of a historical truth. 
Instead of the stripes denoting the priority 
of the colonies as they came into the union, 

148 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

give each stripe the name of the colony sup- 
plying the greater number of men for the 
Continental Army. If this were done, 
Massachusetts would be the first or top red 
stripe with 67,907; Connecticut the second, 
with 31,939; Virginia third, with 26,678; 
Pennsylvania fourth, with 25,678; New 
York fifth, with 17,781; Maryland sixth, 
with 13,912; New Hampshire seventh, with 
12,497; New Jersey eighth, with 10,720; 
North Carolina ninth, with 7,263; South 
Carolina tenth, with 6,417; Rhode Island 
eleventh, with 5,908; Georgia twelfth, with 
2,677; and Delaware thirteenth, with 2,286. 

The reading of the stars will afford infor- 
mation and pleasure and I fear very few can, 
without hesitation, point to the star repre- 
senting the State of their birth. I think it a 
splendid idea if this were given more atten- 
tion. Have you a little flag of the United 
States in your home or office? No? I wish 
you would correct this. It is very important 
that you keep me near you always. My in- 
fluence is for good, and you should make it 
possible for me to serve you every precious 
moment. 

Should you happen to have me at hand 
place me before you and let us see how 
much we know concerning the stars in my 

149 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

field of blue; first place me before you so 
that my stripes will fly to the right. Read- 
ing from left to right the first star is Dela- 
ware, because it was the first of the Colonies 
to ratify the proposed Constitution of the 
United States of America, this event oc- 
curring December 7, 1787. 

If you will once again note the date of my 
birth, June 14, 1777, you will recognize the 
fact that I was ten years old when this ac- 
tion was taken. Two more Colonies followed 
the footsteps of Delaware during the year 
1787; Pennsylvania on December 12, and 
New Jersey on December 18. Georgia was 
the first to swing into the Union in the year 
1788, doing so January 2. Connecticut 
joined the new Constellation four days 
later, on January 6; then came Massa- 
chusetts, February 6, Maryland, April 8, 
and South Carolina, May 23. This com- 
pletes the first or top line of stars. 

New Hampshire is the first star in the 
second line of eight, having endorsed the 
Constitution June 21, 1788. Virginia joined 
June 26, and New York followed on July 26, 
the last colony to ratify in the year 1788. 
The twelfth star North Carolina the fourth 
in the second line did not become a part of 
the Union until November 21, 1789, and 

150 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Rhode Island the last of the thirteen colonies 
and the fifth star in the second line did not 
endorse the action of the others until May 
29, 1790; thirteen years after I was born. 

Proceed as you have begun and you will 
find that the fourteenth star represents Ver- 
mont, that colony having joined the others 
on March 4, 1791. The fifteenth is Ken- 
tucky, June 1, 1792. The sixteenth, Tennes- 
see, June 1, 1796. Now follow in regular 
order the number of star and the State rep- 
resented, as well as the date of ratification. 

Third Line of Stars. 

17th Star— Ohio Nov. 29, 1802 

18th " —Louisiana April 30, 1812 

19th " —Indiana Dec. 11, 1816 

20th " —Mississippi Dec. 10, 1817 

21st " —Illinois Dec. 3, 1818 

22nd " —Alabama Dec. 14, 1819 

23rd " —Maine March 15, 1820 

24th " —Missouri Aug. 10, 1821 

Fourth Line of Stars. 

25th Star — Arkansas June 15, 1836 

26th " —Michigan Jan. 26, 1837 

27th " —Florida March 3, 1845 

28th " —Texas Dec. 29, 1845 

29th " —Iowa Dec. 28, 1846 

151 



THE FLAG OP OUR COUNTRY 



Fourth Line of Stars — Cont. 

30th Star-^Wisconsin May 29, 1846 

31st " —California Sept. 9, 1850 

32nd " —Minnesota May 11, 1858 



Fifth Line of Stars. 

33rd Star — Oregon Feb. 



34th 
35th 
36th 
37th 
38th 
39th 
40th 



-Kansas Jan. 

— West Va June 

— Nevada Oct. 

— Nebraska March 

— Colorado Aug. 

— North Dak Nov. 

— South Dak Nov. 



Sixth Line of Stars. 

41st Star — Montana Nov. 



42nd 
43rd 
44th 
45th 
46th 
47th 
48th 



— Washington Nov. 

— Idaho July 

— Wyoming July 

— Utah Jan. 

— Oklahoma Nov. 

— New Mexico... Jan. 
— Arizona Feb. 



14, 


1859 


1, 


1861 


19, 


1863 


31, 


1864 


1, 


1867 


1, 


1876 


2, 


1889 


2, 


1889 


8, 


1889 


11, 


1889 


3, 


1890 


10, 


1890 


4, 


1896 


16, 


1907 


6, 


1912 


14, 


1912 



152 



NARRATIVE XVII. 



Illlilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilll 

The real American understands and ap- 
preciates his Government and his Flag. He 
realizes the necessity for the enforcement 
of its laws. To him his Country is an im- 
perishable legacy entrusted to his keep- 
ing; his Flag typifies American ideals. He 
is thankful and unafraid. He is not 
ashamed to advocate an intense American- 
ism; an Americanism that declares Amer- 
ica can best serve humanity by remaining 
America. 

iiimiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiimiiimiimimiiiiiii 



NARRATIVE XVII. 

THESE narratives would be incomplete 
did I not make an effort to honor the 
name of Erancis Scott Key, the American 
poet, and author of "The Star Spangled 
Banner." He was born in Frederick Coun- 
ty, Maryland, August 9th, 1780, and died at 
Baltimore, January 11th, 1843, at the age 
of 63. 

His honored ashes rested in Green Mount 
Cemetery for several years, when friends 
and relatives recalled his desire "to sleep 
beneath the shade of the everlasting hills," 
and removed his remains to Mount Olivet 
Cemetery, Frederick, where they now rest. 

Let every American recall the incidents 
responsible for the writing of this inspiring 
song of the Republic. Every child should 
know it; sing it; love it. None are too poor, 
too humble to do it reverence. Its words 
have eased the pain of battered bodies on a 
thousand fields of carnage. Its strains have 
intermingled with the cannon's roar. Its in- 
spiring influence has dominated the peoples 
of every land. In unknown, unheard of 
corners of the earth, its sweet music has 

155 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

awakened the dormant soul to action, and 
made possible a higher and better civiliza- 
tion. 

Direct your imagination my friend to the 
memorable September night, when sixteen 
British vessels directed their fire against the 
gallant defenders of Fort McHenry. It be- 
gan in the early dawn of the 13th of Septem- 
ber and from that moment a veritable deluge 
of shot and shell fell upon the intrepid 
Americans. Every effort was made by both 
land and naval forces to annihilate these 
heroic men. Assault followed assault, and 
as darkness fell upon the scene, the British 
fleet determined to capture the fortification 
at any cost. 

Attacked on all sides, the defeat of the 
gallant defenders seemed but a question of 
hours. The British regulars commanded by 
General Ross advanced along the North 
Point road. Still the Americans did not 
waver. All night long the fortunes of war 
rested first upon one and then upon the 
other. Favored by darkness the fleet again 
moved in and redoubled their efforts. The 
undaunted Americans replying, shell with 
shell, force with force. 

It was during these doubtful hours, that 
Francis Scott Key, detained upon a vessel 

156 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

closely guarded by the British, watched the 
ebb and flow of the battle through the long 
hours of the night. Would the morning 
ever come? The occasional bursting of a 
shell disclosed the fact that the Flag still 
floated above the battle din. How he prayed 
for victory. Every bursting shell renewed 
the hope that Fort McHenry withstood the 
terrific onslaught. 

He may have feared for the safety of the 
city for he knew that British land forces 
contained the pick of Wellington's Army. 
The same that humbled Napoleon at Water- 
loo; the same that defeated the Americans 
at Bladensburg; the same who captured the 
City of Washington and destroyed both 
Capitol and White House. 

It was a critical hour for the Republic. 
The defeat of our forces would probably en- 
danger the very life of the nation. And so 
he waited with bated breath the passing of 
the night. His anxious eyes caught the first 
shaft of light as it raised from out the sea. 

"See," he exclaimed, "see, it is still there, 
the Flag of my country. God be praised, it 
is still there." 

It is well that every American worthy of 
the name should remember these prophetic 

157 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

words, for this inspiring moment gave to 
succeeding generations the anthem of lib- 
erty and justice. 

Remember also that in spite of an un- 
precedented attack by land and sea, with 
unlimited supplies and a most determined 
effort, the men of Fort McHenry met and 
repulsed the enemy and saved the day. 

As the morning sun burst through the 
hovering clouds of battle smoke, its wel- 
comed rays illuminated the folds of your 
country's Mag, floating high above the 
shattered but victorious defenders. 

This was the wonderful scene that met the 
eyes of Francis Scott Key. Inspired by the 
stirring experiences through which he 
passed, he drafted the song that endeared 
him to every lover of human liberty for all 
time. On the following day, September 
14, he completed the poem. It was sung 
for the first time publicly at the Holiday 
Street Theatre and soon after was played 
by the United States Military Band sta- 
tioned at New Orleans. 

Above the grave of Francis Scott Key, I 
forever float, never removed except to be 
replaced by another. Although immortal- 
ized in song I beg you to keep forever green 

158 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

the name of the inspired author of "The 
Star Spangled Banner.' ' 

"Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand, 
Between their loved home and war's desolation; 
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land 
Praise the Power that made and preserved us a nation. 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motto : 'In God is our trust* 
And 'The Star Spang-led Banner' in truth shall wave, 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." 

—FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, Sept. 14, 1814. 



159 




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NARRATIVE XVIII. 



iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiimiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiimiMii 

Defend, Oh citizen, the public school. 
Promote and foster it, for it is the indis- 
pensable foundation of our national great- 
ness. Every son and daughter of the Re- 
public is entitled to an education. Knowl- 
edge strengthens the intellectual, moral 
and commercial fibre of the masses. We 
must make possible a more intelligent 
citizen. 

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 M 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 1 1 



NARRATIVE XVIII. 

I HAVE noticed with considerable alarm 
the lack of patriotic instruction in some of 
our public schools. In one of our institu- 
tions of learning an alien not eligible to 
citizenship, raises me daily during the school 
term to the peak of the staff. Would it not 
serve to impress the hundreds of pupils at- 
tending this particular educational institu- 
tion, were I to be raised and lowered by the 
loving hands of sons and daughters of the 
Republic? 

Such errors, unintentional perhaps, do 
not serve to awaken a reverence for me, the 
symbol of our government. Had the teach- 
ers of a generation ago exhibited a similar 
attitude, you would not retain so deep a re- 
gard for the principles represented in me. 

Please note the number of times you will 
find me improperly displayed in some class 
room, and over, or in front of, some school. 
I have noticed passers by frequently stop, 
and compassionately gaze at my ragged and 
forlorn appearance. 

While I am aware that there exists in the 
Navy an unwritten law, that I should never 

163 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

be washed, nevertheless I think it would be 
well to overlook this compliment and sub- 
mit me to some process that would at least 
make me presentable. Unfortunately, I 
have on many occasions needed a bath, as 
badly as did some of the children. 

They are taught to keep their faces, 
hands and bodies clean in order that they 
may command respect; so why not give me 
the same consideration? I can assure you 
that a dirty, torn, or faded flag of the United 
States, does not flatter the patriotic owner. 
Such a flag is not an impressive sight, and 
I sincerely hope an effort will be made to 
see that I am at least presentable when dis- 
played. 

I often thrill with pleasure and grateful- 
ness when I behold a patriotic instructor, 
earnest enough to offer an inspiring lesson, 
and thus encourage children to love and 
serve me. It does not consume very much 
time to awaken the spark of patriotism that 
multiplies their knowledge of their relation- 
ship to the Flag of their Country. Make it 
possible for them to understand their in- 
debtedness, not only to those who have gone 
before, but also to the glorious principles 
represented by my stars and stripes. Then, 
they will fully realize that their future suc- 

164 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

cess, happiness, prosperity, and safety, rests 
entirely in their understanding of me. 

There are many well meaning citizens 
who insist upon referring to me as the 
" American Flag." This is, I presume, be- 
cause they do not realize that there are sev- 
eral that might come under this heading. Do 
not forget the great Nation to the North is 
also a part of this continent. Then there is 
Mexico to the south, as well as Central and 
South America. This being the case, the 
question arises, when one refers to the 
" American " flag, which one is meant? 

Numberless times I am called affection- 
ately "Old Glory, " "Stars and Stripes, " 
"Flag of the Union," "Flag of Liberty," 
and similar patriotic titles. But my right 
name is "The Flag of the United States." 
And while I appreciate being referred to in 
this friendly manner, I would like to be ad- 
dressed occasionally by my right name. 

I believe the subject deserves serious at- 
tention, and I suggest that we go into the 
matter thoroughly. On the 14th of June, 
1777, Congress adopted the following reso- 
lution: 

"That the Flag of the United States be thirteen 
stripes of alternate red and white, and that the 
Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field." 

165 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

Again on January 13th, 1794 Congress 
passed, and the President signed the fol- 
lowing act : 

"Be it enacted, etc. That from and after the 
first day of May, one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety-five, the Flag of the United States be fif- 
teen stripes, alternate red and white, and the 
Union be fifteen stars, in a blue field." 

On the 14th of April, 1818, Congress 
made the following law: 

"Section 1. Be it enacted etc. That from and 
after the 4th day of July next, the Flag of the 
United States be thirteen horizontal stripes, alter- 
nate red and white, that the Union have twenty 
stars in a blue field. 

"Section 2. And be it further enacted that on 
the admission of every new State into the Union, 
one star be added to the Union of the Flag. And 
such addition shall take effect on the 4th of July 
that succeeding such admission." 

This covers the legislation connected with 
my name, and while I am grateful for the 
many affectionate terms applied, I think it 
no more than right that I be addressed as 
often as possible by the name to which I am 
justly entitled, the Flag of the United 
States. 

In spite of the fact that I am apt to be 
considered a common scold, I am determined 
to direct your attention to the abuses I have 
suffered. I believe that you will, my friend, 
make an effort to elevate me in the opinion 

166 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

of others. I plead for and hope to receive 
the co-operation of all instructors. There 
can be no evasion, no delay. 

Your loyal effort will hasten the hour 
when I, the Flag of the United States, will 
receive at all times, and in all places, the 
consideration and respect due the recog- 
nized representative of all the people. 

Let the school make the first and lasting 
impression upon the minds of the children. 
Tell them of my relationship to the Consti- 
tution. See to it that all boys and girls 
know why the Colonists desired to form a 
"more perfect Union. " When this thought 
is thoroughly understood, drive home the 
idea that good citizenship begins with 
obedience to law and order. 

See to it that chubby hands fondle my 
folds; see to it that all look upon me with 
reverence ; see to it that the heart of advanc- 
ing youth beats in harmony with hardiness 
and valor; purity and innocence; vigilance, 
perseverance and justice; see to this, and 
you at once create the foundation of a 
citizenship as loyal, as it must be fraternal; 
a citizenship that will forever stand the 
fearless advocate of a true manhood and 
womanhood. The product of your labor; 

167 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

your loyalty to the principles of self-govern- 
ment. 

The first amendment to the Constitution 
of the United States offers an inspiring 
study; particular emphasis should be placed 
upon the right of the people to " peacefully 
assemble ;" we must never forget that the 
power of the Government rests with the 
people. That the Constitution is construc- 
tive, not destructive, and at all times the 
people have the inalienable right to move 
and amend. 

Therefore I beg of you to make every 
effort to encourage a practical patriotism. 
This will be the easier accomplished by an 
observance of the rules of conduct toward 
me the Mag of your Country. 

Do not overlook the positive fact that the 
school is the keystone of American citizen- 
ship. Every girl and boy must recognize 
that there are such things as obedience and 
discipline, and that education is the ladder 
to mental, physical, commercial and moral 
achievement. Education is the enemy of 
illiteracy and intolerance. The school makes 
certain the students' relationship to the 
home, the church, the State, the Nation. 
With a proper regard for its tremendous in- 

168 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

fluence, instructors will strengthen the love 
of country and create a citizenship ready 
and willing to defend the priceless heritage 
intrusted to our care. 



169 



NARRATIVE XIX. 



iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiii iiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiii i nullum 

Oh, Glorious Master of the World, loving 
Father of all peoples everywhere, give me, 
the Flag of the United States, strength to 
triumph over them who rise against thee. 
Give me also charity, that I may forgive 
mine enemies. Give me power, that I may 
insure eternal peace. Cause me to be borne 
on high, above them who would destroy 
me, and gather beneath my folds all peo- 
ple who desire to serve their God, their 
Country and their Flag. 

IIUUIIUIIUIUIIUUIUUIIIIUUUIIIUIIUIIUIUUIUIUIIUUUUUIUIIIIUIUUII 



NARRATIVE XIX. 

AS MY narratives draw to a close, I in- 
sist that you do not lose sight of the 
immutable truth, that God actually inspired 
the founding of the American Republic. 
You must not forget that it was His gracious 
will that this government, the United States 
of America, should become the defender of 
religious and political liberty. 

The first historical reference to the colors 
Red, White and Blue is found in the Holy 
Bible. Let me refresh your memory. When 
our Lord gave the "Ten Commandments " 
together with the "Book of Laws" to 
Moses, they were immediately placed in the 
"Ark of the Covenant" within the Taber- 
nacle. This notable structure was made of 
"ten curtains of fine linen, blue and purple 
and scarlet." 

"Moreover, thou shalt make the Tabernacle 
with ten curtains of fine linen, and blue, and 
purple, and scarlet." (Exodus xxvi) 

This is positively the first reference found 
that associates the colors now known to us, 
as our own Red, White and Blue. 

The proof that God's right hand rested 
upon the young Republic can be found in 

173 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

the desire of tlie founders of this Govern- 
ment to recognize His supremacy. 

It was the one thought that actuated the 
Pilgrim Fathers to sail uncharted seas in 
order that they might find a land where they 
could openly and freely serve the Master. 

From the landing of the " Mayflower" in 
1620, until this hour, the Church has multi- 
plied our love for the home. The home is 
and ever will be the founder; yes, the de- 
fender of society; and the Church, the corner 
stone of the home, is the hope and the sal- 
vation of the nation. 

Weaken the Church, and you weaken the 
character of the citizen. Weaken the citizen 
and you destroy the home. Destroy the 
home and you demolish society. We must 
not, dare not, neglect God. The Church must 
ever remain our inspiration and guide. 

Let me, the Flag of the United States, 
admonish you to be faithful to the teach- 
ings of God's selected servants. Multiply 
your desire to serve your fellow man; let 
patriotism prevail among you in order that 
you can the more appreciate the full signifi- 
cance of Justice and Equality. 

Examine my crimson bars. Do they not 
remind you of Him who gave His only be- 

174 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

gotten Son in order that civilization might 
be saved? Do not my stars recall the birth 
of Jesus of Nazareth, the Steward of God, 
the lowly teacher of men? 

Visualize the Pilgrim Fathers as they 
subscribed to the first civic document de- 
claring for human liberty. Repeat with me 
its introductory paragraph, "In ye name of 
Almighty God, Amen." 

Throughout the years of suffering and 
doubt; of blood and death; of sacrifice and 
misery, our faith in God has never wavered. 
Remember then, my most solemn admoni- 
tion, in your prosperity or poverty you must 
be loyal to the Church. 

Andrew Jackson once declared, "The 
bible is the rock upon which the Republic 
rests." 

During the writing of the Constitution of 
the United States, Benjamin Franklin pro- 
posed that, each session be opened with 
prayer, "Because," he said, "I have lived a 
long time, and the longer I live, the more 
convincing proofs I see of this truth, that 
God governs the affairs of man." 

Daniel Webster eloquently affirmed, "If 
we abide by the principles taught in the 
Bible, our country will go on prospering, 

175 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

and continue to prosper; but if we in our 
prosperity neglect its instruction and au- 
thority, no man can tell how sudden a 
catastrophe may overwhelm and bury our 
glory in profound obscurity/ ' 

Theodore Eoosevelt spoke this truth: 
"Even men who are not professedly relig- 
ious, must, if they are frank, admit no com- 
munity can be permanently prosperous, 
either morally or materially, unless the 
Church is a real and vital element in com- 
munity life." 

Support the Church, men and women of 
the United States, and through that sup- 
port, strengthen your faith in the Master. 
Let His house be your house ; His word, the 
corner stone of your individual, as well as 
your national life. 

Support the Church; believe in it; become 
an earnest member of it; acknowledge your 
personal relationship to it; and by percept 
and example make yourself a worthy citizen 
of the Republic. 

Support the Church; and so live that 
others will respect and honor you, because 
you are of the Church. Teach your children 
to respect and love it; help them to under- 
stand that the Church is the constant in- 

176 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

centive for good, and the invincible foe of 
evil. 

The Church is responsible for my birth, 
and I have been dedicated to the principles 
of Liberty and Justice. Support the Church 
and society will be made the stronger be- 
cause of its presence. The Church is the 
consolation of those who suffer; the staff of 
those who are weak; the foundation of the 
strong, and the salvation of the human race. 



177 



ADDENDA 



■tiiiiiiiiiiiiHiMiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiimiHiiiimimiiimiiiiimiimiii 

With renewed determination let your 
lives be consecrated to God, your Country 
and your Flag. Redouble your effort, Oh, 
citizen. Make certain by your action the 
fruition of exalted purpose. Become the 
vigorous defender of the One Government 
making possible the highest aspirations of 
a Free, Happy and Benevolent people. 

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKIIIIIillMlllllllllllllllllllltlllllElllllllltllllllllMIIIIIIIIIII 



ADDENDA. 

AND NOW my friend, in this final mo- 
ment, may I hope you feel the better 
for knowing me. May I hope that you will 
become a part of me, that you will love me 
and in loving serve. 

For I am the Flag of the United States. 

I believe you have recognized my right to 
speak, not alone in my defense, but in de- 
fense of the sacred rights guaranteed to 
every defender of self-government. 

I believe you will agree with me when I 
declare it is the duty of every citizen worthy 
the name to become familiar with the inci- 
dents connected with my birth, growth and 
progress. I am sure you will recognize the 
necessity of knowing the rules of conduct 
toward me, in order to insure my proper 
care and protection. 

It is evident, I hope, that an intimate ac- 
quaintance with me, will rekindle the 
the smouldering fires of patriotism and 
create a more intense reverance for our 
country. 

You will, I am sure, more deeply appre- 
ciate me, when you realize that I am the 

181 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

one flag that has never known defeat. And 
that I am the recognized symbol of purity 
and innocence; hardiness and valor; vigil- 
ance, perseverance and justice. 

I am the constant reminder of vour re- 
sponsibilities. I continually call upon you 
to deal squarely with your fellow man. To 
do unto others, as you would be done by. To 
serve God; obey the law and live clean up- 
right lives. I repeatedly call to you bidding 
you remember the vast army of men and 
women, who cheerfully gave their lives and 
fortunes, that I might live. 

To know me is to appreciate the things 
for which I stand; to appreciate me, reflects 
your love and loyalty. 

At sight of me, does not your heart thrill 
with patriotic emotion? Do I at all times 
receive your confidence and respect? Have 
I not served to awaken within your heart a 
desire for good citizenship? Do you know 
how to use and care for me ? If so, take me, 
hold me to your breast; I am safe in your 
embrace. 

But, if you are self centered, selfish, with 
no thought, no care for others, you will then 
have need to know and understand. Let me 
be your instructor; let me teach you the 

182 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

blessings represented in me. Let me appeal 
to your manhood and womanhood. Let me 
direct your feet to God, and in His house 
learn the law of Right not Might. Let my 
stars and stripes encircle your homes and 
the children there. Allow me to be the in- 
vincible defender of Free-speech and Press. 
Let me remain what I have been from 
birth, the blessed harbinger of Peace and 
Equality. 

But woe, woe unto him who dares to 
desecrate, repudiate, or villify my memory. 
Thrice accursed shall be the hand that seeks 
my destruction. When I fall in defeat, gone, 
forever gone, are the liberties of all people 
for all time. Gone are the foundations of so- 
ciety, of self-government. Gone the price- 
less memories of the past. Gone our self- 
respect; our faith; our loyalty; our right to 
live. For amid the crumbling ruins of the 
Republic will be found the hopes; the 
dreams; the aspirations of a once happy 
people. 

Renew, I beg of you, this day, nay, this 
hour, your allegiance to me. Study me; 
know me; serve me; appreciate me. Yes my 
friend, love me. Stand as ready to respect 
and defend me as you would your own pros- 
perity, your honor. Cheerfully accept the 

183 



THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY 

responsibilities of a courageous citizenship. 
Be kind; be tolerant; be true; give unto your 
neighbor only what you would demand for 
yourself. And with Justice for all and 
Enmity toward none, strive to make the 
United States, not the richer, but the better 
for your having lived. 




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